Breastfeeding Positions - No One Size Fits All Approach
There are various ways for a parent to hold and position their child while feeding. You or your baby may have a preference and that’s totally fine! Finding a position is comfortable for the two of you and that supports a good latch is key. There are no rules.
Finding an optimal position may take time, practice and patience. We suggest working with an IBCLC if you have concerns with nipple pain, latch, and positioning, or help nailing down a lactation plan that works for you and your family. Let’s talk about a few common breastfeeding positions that you may want to try.
Cross-cradle position: (starts 3:50) This breastfeeding position is great to give your baby a bit of extra support in the early stages. Position your baby across your middle, so you are belly to belly. Hold your baby across their body and support them at the shoulder blades, keeping your hands off their head. Touching their head or face may cause them to root towards your hand and turn away from the breast. Use the other hand to support your breast. Some people find that creating a “breast sandwich” by shaping the breast helps baby achieve a deeper more comfortable latch.
Helpful if:
Learning to latch.
Weak latch; holding them towards you can help to strengthen their latch’s suction
Football hold: (starts at 6:01): Hold your baby along the side of your body, so their entire body is along the side you will be nursing from, with their feet near your back. You may find that a nursing pillow or other supportive pillow allows you to position your baby optimally and reduce stress on your back, shoulder and arms. Make sure that the baby’s body is positioned far enough back so that they do not need to tuck their chin towards their chest to reach the breast.
Ideal for:
feeding after a c-section.
People with large breasts.
Tandem feeding multiples.
Side-Laying: (starts at 7:17): Both you and your baby should lie on your sides facing each other. Baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple while you support them with your hand. Touch your nipple to baby’s nose prompting baby to open their mouth and latch. (You can also support baby’s back with a rolled towel or pillow). The nursing parent may find that wedging a pillow behind their own back gives extra support.
Ideal for:
parents recovering from c-sections too!
A great way to rest and feed your baby.
Can be helpful managing reflux, fast let-down, and “fussy feeding.”
Laid-back: (starts: 2:32) Find a comfortable couch or chair that allows you to recline at a 45 degree angle. Your baby is in full “tummy to tummy” contact and your body fully supports the baby, no nursing pillows are needed. In this position, baby might intuitively nuzzle to find the breast/chest, and open their mouth wide to latch on. This position is simple and great for bonding and useful anywhere.
Baby-led feeding.
Achieving and maintaining a deep latch.
Managing fast milk flow.
Comfortable and supportive position for both parent and baby.
All of these positions are adjustable to your needs. Each breastfeeding couple finds their own perfect fit. You can incorporate pillows to support your neck, elbows, back or your baby. Ultimately, what works best for you might be different than the next person, so changing things up can be key! If you find that you can’t get comfortable while nursing or just have more questions for us, contact our team directly at 202.293.5182