7 Breastfeeding Positions Every Nursing Mom Should Know
If you’re new to nursing, it’s normal to wonder if you’re doing it right. But as long as your baby is feeding well and you’re both comfortable, there really are no “wrong” breastfeeding positions for a newborn.
That said, it can take a little bit of time to get the hang of things and figure out what works best for you and your baby. Plus, different nursing holds can sometimes help with common breastfeeding problems like back pain, latching issues, reflux, or gas.
Mom nursing her baby in a dark green nursing dress with hidden zippers.
You and your little one might find a comfortable position right away and stick with it. If so, that’s great! Sometimes it can take a little more trial and error though. As your baby grows, you may also find that what was working before is no longer ideal—that may mean it’s time to try something new.
Whatever the case, it’s always a good idea to have at least a few different nursing holds down that you can use as needed.
Check out these 7 common breastfeeding positions that every nursing mom should know:
For many moms, cradle hold is the most natural position for nursing their baby. With this position, you have a lot of control and your baby is well supported, making it ideal for nursing a newborn. Since it isn’t much different from how you are likely already holding your newborn most of the time, it’s also easy to learn.
Cradle hold works best in a comfortable chair with armrests or with the support of a nursing pillow. Rest your baby’s head in the crook of your arm on the same side you’ll be breastfeeding on, using your other arm to support their body. Be sure their head and body are both facing toward your chest so they can latch properly and nurse comfortably.
Mom nursing her baby hold wearing a dark gray nursing sweatshirt.
Cross-cradle hold is another great position for breastfeeding a newborn. It looks a lot like the cradle hold, but you will be supporting their head with your opposite hand instead of the crook of your arm. This gives you more control over their head and can be helpful for small babies or babies with latching issues.
Sitting in a comfortable chair with armrests, hold your baby with the arm opposite of the breast you’re nursing with, supporting their head with your hand. You can use your other hand (on the same side you are nursing on) to support your breast as your baby latches on.
Mom nursing her child wearing a light gray nursing sweatshirt with hidden zipper access.
Using a football hold breastfeeding position can be useful in some situations. For example, this can be a good breastfeeding position for C-section recovery, according to the Mayo Clinic, because it keeps your baby’s weight off of your incision during healing. It’s also a great option for nursing twins and breastfeeding with large breasts.
For a football hold, you’ll hold your baby under your arm on the side you’re nursing on, using that same hand and forearm to support their head and neck. Your baby should be facing upward toward your breast—you can use a pillow under your arm for extra support. Use your opposite hand to support your breast as you guide your baby’s mouth to your nipple.
Side-lying breastfeeding isn’t exactly a “starter” nursing hold, but can come in handy if you’re nursing in bed in the early days, whether you’re recovering from a C-section or just want to be comfortable because you’re exhausted—what new parent isn’t?
A side-lying nursing position itself is quite simple, but latching can be a challenge so it may take some practice. Lie down on a comfortable surface with your baby as you face each other. Make use of pillows and rolled blankets for support and to prevent your baby from rolling away from you. Your arm can rest under your own head or cradle your baby if they’re having trouble reaching your breast.
Remember: If your baby falls asleep in a side-lying breastfeeding position, move them back to their crib or another safe sleep space without blankets or pillows. The safest place for your baby to sleep is alone, on their back, and in a crib.
Breastfeeding lying down appeals to many moms for different reasons. Also known as biological nurturing, according to La Leche League International, this position can encourage both your and your baby’s natural nursing instincts. It can also be a great breastfeeding position for fast flow, since gravity will help to slow it down.
For a laid-back nursing position, lean back in a reclined position (not totally flat) on a bed or couch. Place your baby on your tummy or slightly off to the side—whichever is more comfortable for you. Adjust your position as needed to make sure your baby doesn’t have to turn their head to reach your breast.
Mom nursing her child wearing a floral bell dress with hidden breastfeeding access.
Once your baby can sit upright without support, you may want to try the koala nursing position. Many moms have found this to be a great upright nursing position for reflux, ear infections, and newborn gas relief since they’ll swallow less air and keep their milk down better.
Koala hold breastfeeding is done by setting your baby on your thigh or hip so they are sitting upright as they nurse. Their head and spine should both be upright as you support their body, which is why it’s important to only use this nursing position with an older baby that has the strength to sit up on their own.
Slings, wraps, and carriers can be a lifesaver for new parents who are desperate to put down their baby and free up their hands. When done safely, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babywearing as a way to calm your baby, promote bonding, and even support their development.
But did you know you can even nurse your baby in a sling or carrier? Sling nursing might be a bit tricky at first, but busy moms find it extremely convenient. There are two ways to do it:
One option is to lower your sling or carrier by a couple of inches so your baby can access your breast in the carrier. Just keep an eye on your baby to be sure they have enough room and their airways aren’t being blocked. This works best with babies that are a bit older.
The other option is to simply take your baby out and use your sling as a nursing cover, allowing their head to rest inside as they nurse.
Don’t worry if you have to try a few different positions before you find something that works for you and your baby. There’s not just one right way to feed your little one, and many moms have gone through the same process as they got used to nursing.
We asked our Nursing Queen VIP Facebook group about their favorite nursing holds, and here’s what some of them said:
Olivia: “Cradle. I’m very small-chested and that’s the only position that’s ever worked for us, but it works perfectly!”
Autumn: “Football and cross-cradle mostly, but overnight it’s often side laying so she stays as asleep/rested as possible!”
Neta: “Cross cradle. Did football hold in the beginning and my baby could never figure out a good latch in the football position and tore up my nipples constantly, but it’s been smooth sailing since we mainly just do cross cradle.”
Jessica: “Cradle with all 4 of my kids from birth to almost 3. Tried other positions and nothing else ever worked.”
Sarah: “With both babies as newborns, I had to do football hold for a couple weeks due to latch issues. Second baby I ended up doing the cross cradle for a bit too. But then the rest of the time, for both babies, just the standard cradle hold.”
Ultimately, the best breastfeeding positions for you will depend on your and your baby’s needs, your body, and your baby’s age and development. You might also find that what worked for one of your babies might not work for the next, and that’s OK too.
If you’ve tried different breastfeeding positions but you’re struggling to nurse your baby, reach out to other moms or a lactation consultant at the hospital where you gave birth. Remember, many other moms have been there before you—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
We hope this helps you find the best breastfeeding position.
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