Home » Misc » Best position for baby feeding

Best position for baby feeding


11 Different Breastfeeding Positions | Medela

You may need to try a few breastfeeding positions before finding a favourite that works best for you and your baby. Check out our picture gallery for inspiration

Share this content

There’s no right or wrong way to hold and feed your baby, and each mum and baby will find their own preferred position to feed in. What’s important is that you both feel comfortable.1,2 Knowing a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques can be helpful because life often requires us to be versatile, especially as your baby gets bigger and you start to go out and about more.

Discover 11 different breastfeeding positions and find out what is best for you and your baby:

  1. Laid-back breastfeeding or reclined position
  2. Cradle hold
  3. Cross-cradle hold
  4. Rugby ball hold
  5. Side-lying position
  6. Laid-back breastfeeding after a c-section
  7. Upright breastfeeding or koala hold
  8. Dangle feeding
  9. Nursing in a sling
  10. Double rugby ball hold
  11. Dancer hand nursing position

 

Whichever breastfeeding position you choose, remember:

  • Gather everything you need, such as a drink, snacks, your mobile, TV remote, book or magazine, before you start feeding. And don’t forget to have a wee first – you may not be able to get up again for some time!
  • Make sure your baby is comfy. Whatever position you’re in, your baby should be stable and supported, while his head, neck and spine should not be twisted.
  • Ensure you feel relaxed and comfy too. Use cushions, pillows or rolled towels to support your back or arms if you need to.
  • Check your baby is latching on correctly. A good latch is vital for comfortable breastfeeding.
  • If your baby struggles to latch or breastfeeding makes you sore, seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist. They will also be able to show you how to support your baby to help you feed more comfortably.

1: Laid-back breastfeeding or reclined position

The laid-back breastfeeding position, also known as biological nurturing,1 is often the first mums try. If your baby is placed on your chest or tummy as soon as he’s born, all being well he’ll instinctively work his way towards one of your breasts and attempt to latch on – this is known as the ‘breast crawl’. Skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate his feeding instincts, while gravity helps him to latch on well and keeps him in place.

However, laid-back breastfeeding isn’t just for newborns – it can work well with babies of any age. It may be especially useful if your baby struggles to latch in other holds, he doesn’t like his head being touched as he feeds, if you have a forceful let down, or if your breasts are large, as mum-of-one Isabel, UK, discovered: “The combination of my big boobs and a small 2.7 kg (6 lb) baby made positioning tricky at first. It took me a few weeks to realise there was no position I ‘should’ be in. In the end I mainly breastfed lying down with my baby balanced on top of me.”

You’ll probably be comfier if you’re reclining gently rather than lying flat on your back. Use cushions or pillows so you’re supported and can see your baby.

2: Cradle hold

This is the classic position most of us picture when we think of breastfeeding. It involves you sitting upright, with your baby positioned on his side, his head and neck laying along your forearm and his body against your stomach, in a tummy-to-mummy position. 3 Although it’s a very popular position, it’s not always easy with a newborn because it doesn’t give your baby as much support as some other holds. A pillow or cushion behind you and a breastfeeding pillow across your lap propping up your baby or your arms may give you more support, and avoid strain on your back or shoulders. If you use a breastfeeding pillow, make sure it doesn’t lift your baby too high – your breasts should remain at their natural resting height to avoid sore nipples and a strained latch.

“I used the cradle hold because it worked! It felt comfortable and I liked sitting there just looking at my baby,” says Rachael, mum of two, Italy.

3: Cross-cradle hold

This looks similar to the cradle hold but your arms switch roles so your baby’s body lies along your opposite forearm.3 The aim is to support your baby around his neck and shoulders to allow him to tilt his head prior to latch. This is a great newborn breastfeeding position and is also good for small babies and those with latching difficulties. Because your baby is fully supported on your opposite arm, you have more control over his positioning, and you can use your free hand to shape your breast.

Julie, mum of two, UK, likes the flexibility of this position: “I normally do the cross-cradle with my newborn. It gives me a hand free to tend to my toddler at the same time.”

In the early days, don’t hold your baby around his head as you might push his chin on to his chest. This can result in a shallow latch (as your nipple hits the base of his tongue rather than his palate) and sore nipples for you. As your baby gets bigger this technique becomes much easier, and you can rest your baby’s head in your hand (as shown in our gallery image above).

4: Rugby ball hold

In this position (also known as the underarm or clutch), you sit with your baby resting along your forearm. His body tucks alongside your side, with his feet towards the back of the chair, or whatever you’re sitting on.3 This is another helpful early nursing position because it supports your baby well, while giving you plenty of control and a good view of his face. Being tucked in closely alongside your body will help your baby feel safe too. Mums who’ve had a c-section, twins, or a premature baby, along with those who have larger breasts, may also like this position.

“With my first daughter I had very large K-size breasts that were double the size of her head,” remembers Amy, mum of two, Australia. “I placed a rolled-up towel underneath each breast to help lift them up as they were so heavy, and fed her in a rugby ball hold, but more upright so she wasn’t overwhelmed by their size. This position was also good as I had a c-section wound and couldn’t rest her across my body.”

5: Side-lying position

Ideal for relaxed night feeds and breastfeeding in bed or on the sofa, side-lying can also be more comfortable than sitting if you’ve had a caesarean or stitches.3 You and your baby need to lie on your sides next to one another, belly-to-belly.

“I struggled to sit up in bed during countless night feeds, partly due to having had a c-section, partly due to exhaustion,” says Francesca, mum of one, UK. “Then I discovered I could feed my baby lying on my side and relax at the same time.” 

“Maisie couldn’t attach any other way than the side-lying position due to her tongue-tie. A lactation consultant showed me how to do it. It seemed like she could handle the strength of my flow and hold on better in this position. When her mouth grew bigger she became much better at attaching in the regular way,” says Sarah, mum of two, Australia.

6: Laid-back breastfeeding after a c-section

If you’ve had a caesarean delivery and can’t find a comfortable breastfeeding position,3 this may help. Reclining with your baby’s body across your shoulder will let you nurse comfortably without any weight or pressure on your wound, or you could also try side-lying.

7: Upright breastfeeding or koala hold

In the upright or koala hold, your baby sits straddling your thigh, or on your hip, with his spine and head upright as he feeds.4 You can do this hold with a newborn if you give your baby plenty of support, and it’s also a convenient way to feed an older baby who can sit unaided. The upright or koala hold is often the most comfortable breastfeeding position for babies who suffer from reflux or ear infections (who often prefer to be upright), and it can also work well with babies who have a tongue-tie or low muscle tone.

“When my baby was older I often used the upright hold because it was comfortable for both of us and I could still feel her body close to mine,” says Peggy, mum of one, Switzerland. “It was also discreet when we were feeding in public.”

8: Dangle feeding

This breastfeeding position involves your baby lying on his back, while you crouch over him on all fours and dangle your nipple in his mouth.4 Some mums say doing this for short periods helps if they have conditions like mastitis and don’t want their breasts to be squashed or touched; others claim that gravity helps unplug blocked milk ducts, although there’s no scientific evidence to support this yet. You can also dangle feed while you’re sitting, kneeling up over your baby on a bed or sofa, or almost lying down but propped up on your arms. You may need to use cushions and pillows to support yourself so you don’t strain your back or shoulders.

“I used the dangle feeding position a few times when I had blocked ducts and other methods of easing out the lumps in my breasts hadn’t worked. It seemed to help – I think because gravity was in my favour, and because the angle and position of my baby were so different to our normal breastfeeds that she drained my breast differently,” says Ellie, mum of two, UK.

Dangle feeding is probably not a breastfeeding position you want to do regularly, but it might just help if you need to mix it up.

“I used a dangle feeding position when my baby was struggling to latch,” says Lorna, mum of two, UK. “It wasn’t the most comfortable way to breastfeed, but at the time I’d do absolutely anything to get him to latch. It worked – and we’re still breastfeeding eight months on!”

9: Nursing in a sling

It may take a little practice, but breastfeeding your baby in a sling can be convenient when you’re out and about, looking after older children, or even doing light chores.

It’s also handy if your baby dislikes being put down or feeds frequently, as Lindsay, mum of two, US, found: “I used a front carrier often with both my babies. When we were out I tied a sarong around my neck and draped it over the carrier so it worked as a cover. They would nurse like this until they fell asleep.”

This method usually works best if your baby is an experienced breastfeeder and can hold his head up by himself. You can breastfeed in all sorts of slings, including stretchy wraps, ring slings and front carriers. Whichever you choose, make sure you can always see your baby’s face and his chin is not pressed against his chest.

10: Double rugby ball hold

The double rugby ball hold (also known as the double clutch) is a great breastfeeding position for twins, as you can feed them in tandem while having your hands relatively free.4 You’ll probably need to use a specially designed twin breastfeeding pillow while feeding like this, especially in the early days. This gives extra support to get both babies into position, and also minimises pressure on your belly if you’ve had a c-section. You may also find that with your hands freer, you can tend to one baby without disrupting the other’s feed.

“When my twins were born they were tiny and needed feeding every two hours, day and night. I soon realised for me to achieve anything other than feeding, I needed to tandem feed,” says Emma, mum of two, UK. “I used the double rugby ball hold with a breastfeeding cushion.”

Other breastfeeding positions you could try with twins include two cradles crossed across one another, one twin in a rugby ball hold and one in a cradle hold, and double laid-back or double upright breastfeeding positions.

11: Dancer hand nursing position

If your baby struggles to stay latched on or has low muscle tone – perhaps because he was born prematurely, has a condition such as Down’s syndrome, or has an illness or disability – try this hold to support both his head and your breast. 4 Start by cupping your breast with your hand underneath, fingers on one side and thumb on the other. Then edge your hand forwards so your thumb and index finger form a ‘U’ shape just in front of the breast. Your three remaining fingers should continue to support the breast underneath. Rest your baby’s jaw on your thumb and index finger as he feeds, with his chin at the bottom of the ‘U’, your thumb gently holding one of his cheeks and your index finger the other. This hold gives your baby plenty of support and you control over his position, as well as a great view of his latch.

References

1 Colson SD et al. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev. 2008;84(7):441-449.

2 UNICEF UK BFHI [Internet]. Off to the best start; 2015 [cited 2018 Feb].

3 Cadwell K. Latching‐On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery & Women’s Health. 2007;52(6):638-642.

4 Wambach K, Riordan J, editors. Breastfeeding and human lactation. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2014. 966 p.

Positioning - La Leche League International

Note: For clarity, we are referring to baby as “he” and mother as “she.”

The First Week: Positioning and Latch

Breastfeeding is a gift only you can give your baby. A healthy, full term baby is likely to know instinctively what to do at the breast.

During the early weeks skin-to-skin contact helps your baby be connected to his instinctive breastfeeding skills and helps you and baby enjoy breastfeeding. Each mother discovers what works for her, and what works for one mother may not work for another. Mary Renfrew wrote in Journal of Human Lactation that learning to breastfeed is like mother and baby learning a dance. Use what works in these suggestions and tailor them for you and your baby. Trust that you know what works for you and your baby. You will know when the positioning is ideal for you, when you and your baby are comfortable. When positioning is right for you, your nipples stay healthy and your baby can feed most efficiently. Concern about sore nipples or breastfeeding comfortably is a common reason that mothers contact La Leche League. Improving positioning helps eliminate many cases of sore nipples.

You may have noticed this description is long. Be assured that many mothers have successfully accomplished breastfeeding their babies for centuries and you too will learn how to best position your baby. These suggestions are not meant to tell the mother that if she follows all the steps the position will be “right”. The suggestions are meant to gives you ideas on how you and your baby can learn to breastfeed and enjoy the breastfeeding experience.

However, like other seemingly simple tasks, it takes a lot of words to describe what other mothers have found works well for them. LLL Leaders are experienced in guiding mothers through the positioning process. If you feel overwhelmed by preparing to breastfeed your baby, contact your local Leader for information and support. She will be happy to simplify matters for you.

In the first three to five days after birth, if you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your baby latches on, it may be a sign that something isn’t right with the baby latch, position, or suck. An adjustment to the latch or positioning can help your baby be more comfortable. When you have mastered the “dance” of breastfeeding, sore or cracked nipples are allowed to heal.

If nipple pain worsens after the early days of breastfeeding your nipple pain may be due to other causes like thrush, bacterial infection, or tongue-tie. Contact a La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant for help if you need further assistance to improve your sore nipples. See information on sore nipples for more information.

Learn to recognize your baby’s early feeding cues so you have time to get in a good position before he becomes desperately hungry. Early cues include opening his mouth, moving his head side to side – also known as rooting reflex or sucking on hands and fingers. Don’t wait for baby to cry to let you know he is hungry. Crying is a very late hunger cue.

Basic Steps for Positioning

 We will discuss several different positions. If you have pain or feel uncomfortable, try a different position. Adjusting the position can significantly improve breastfeeding pain.
Some general tips are:

  1. Position yourself comfortablywith back support, pillows supporting your arms and your baby, and your feet supported by a footrest or a telephone book.
  2. Position baby close to you, with his hips flexed, so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. His mouth and nose should be facing your nipple. His body should be so close that he is touching you. If possible, ask your helper to hand you the baby once you are comfortable.
  3. Support your breast so it is not pressing on your baby’s chin. Your baby’s chin should touch your breast, then the baby’s nose.
  4. Attach or latch baby onto your breast.Encourage him to open his mouth wide and pull him close by supporting his back (rather than the back of his head) so that his chin touches your breast first. His nose will be touching your breast. Your hand forms a “second neck” for your baby.
  5. Enjoy!If you are feeling pain, detach baby gently and try again.

These steps may need to be repeated frequently during the early weeks. You and your baby will find a technique that works for you after some practice.

Going Beyond the Basics

As you and your baby become more experienced at breastfeeding, you will find that breastfeeding positions can be altered in many ways, even from feeding to feeding. As long as you are comfortable and baby is nursing successfully, use what works for you. Try experimenting with the four positions below.

Remember, in any of these positions, it is very important to bring the baby to your nipple height.

Leaning over your baby can cause backaches, neck/shoulder strain or sore nipples.

 

Laid-back Breastfeeding or Biological Nurturing

Laid-back breastfeeding, or Biological Nurturing, means getting comfortable with your baby and encouraging you and your baby’s natural breastfeeding instincts.

  • Dress yourself and your baby as you choose. Mother and baby skin-to-skin is good option too.
  • Position yourself comfortably in bed, on the couch, or in a recliner with back support, and pillows to also support your head, shoulders, arms. Lean back, with your pillows for support. When you comfortably lean back, and put your baby on your chest, gravity will keep him in position with his body molded to yours.
  • Let your baby’s cheek rest somewhere near your bare breast. Rub your nipple on baby’s upper lip to encourage baby to open wide. Bring your baby close. Have his chin touch your breast first, and then his nose will touch your breast.
  • Position baby close to you, with hips flexed, so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. Baby’s feet need to be supported by your body so they don’t dangle in the air.
  • Use one hand to hold your breast as needed and the other hand to support baby’s thigh or bottom.
  • If you feel pain, detach baby gently by using your finger to touch the corner of baby’s mouth and try again.
  • Relax and enjoy each other.
 
Cradle Position

The cradle position is most commonly used after the first few weeks. The cross-cradle position (see below) gives you more control.

  • To nurse your baby while cradling or holding him across your lap, he should be lying on his side, resting on his shoulder and hip with his mouth level with your nipple. His whole front of his body should touch the front of your body.
  • Use pillows to lift your baby and support your elbows to bring your baby up to nipple height, especially during the first few weeks.
  • Support your breast with either the “U” hold” or “C” hold as described in the “Breast Support Techniques” section below.
  • Your baby’s head will be on your forearm and his back will be along your inner arm and palm. When you look down, you should see his side.
  • His mouth should be covering at least a half inch of the dark area around your nipple. Be sure his ear, shoulder and hips should be in a straight line. As a newborn, your baby’s head and bottom should be level with each other.

 

 

 
Cross-cradle Position

During the early weeks, many mothers find a variation of the cradle position, called the cross-cradle position to be useful.

  • To nurse your baby in this position, your baby is supported on a pillow across your lap to help raise him to your nipple level. Pillows should also support both elbows so your arms don’t hold the weight of the baby; they will tire before the feeding is finished.
  • If you are preparing to breastfeed on the left breast, your left hand supports that breast in a “U” hold. If you are breastfeeding on the opposite breast, reverse hand used. (See the “Breast Support Techniques” section of this FAQ  for a description of this hold.)
  • Support your baby with the fingers of the right hand.
  • Do this by gently placing your hand behind your baby’s ears and neck with your thumb and index finger behind each ear. Your baby’s neck rests in the web between the thumb, index finger and palm of your hand, forming a “second neck” for baby. The palm of your hand is placed between his shoulder blades.
  • As you prepare to latch on your baby, be sure his mouth is very close to your nipple from the start.
  • When baby opens his mouth wide, you push with the palm of your hand from between the shoulder blades. His mouth will be covering at least a half-inch from the base of your nipple.

 

 

 
Clutch or Football Position

This is a good position for a mother who has had a Cesarean birth, as it keeps the baby away from the incision. Most newborns are very comfortable in this position. It also helps when a mother has a forceful milk ejection reflex (let down) because the baby can handle the flow more easily.

In the clutch position you support your baby’s head in your hand and his back along your arm beside you. You support your breast with a “C” hold. (See “Breast Support Techniques” section of this FAQ for a description of this hold.) He is facing you, with his mouth at nipple height. Your baby’s legs and feet are tucked under your arm with his hips flexed and his legs resting along the your back rest so the soles of his feet are pointed toward the ceiling. (This keeps him from being able to push against your chair.) Pillows help bring the baby to the correct height.

 

 

 
Side-lying Position

For some mothers, this position works best after the early days of breastfeeding. The other positions may be easier to learn first. Some mothers find that practicing with this position during the daytime is very helpful.

Many mothers find lying down to nurse a comfortable position, especially at night. Both mother and baby lie on their sides facing each other. You can use pillows behind your back and behind or between your knees to help get comfortable. A pillow or rolled blanket behind the baby’s back will keep him from rolling away from you. The baby can be cradled in your arm with his back along your forearm. Having his hips flexed and his ear, shoulder and hip in one line helps your baby get milk more easily.

 

 

Breast Support Techniques

As you hold your baby in any of the above positions, you may need to support your breast with your free hand. This removes the weight of the breast from the baby’s chin, allowing him to breastfeed more effectively.

“C” hold–See the cradle hold illustration above. Support your breast with your thumb on top, well back from your areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) and the fingers underneath. Your fingers should also be well back from your baby’s mouth. This hold is helpful when breastfeeding in the clutch or football position as well as the cradle position.

“U” hold–Place your fingers flat on your ribcage under your breast with your index finger in the crease under your breast. Drop your elbow so that your breast is supported between your thumb and index finger. Your thumb will be on the outer area of your breast and your fingers will be on the inner area. This hold is helpful when breastfeeding in the cradle and cross-cradle positions.

 

 
Is My Baby Latched on Well?

When latching on your baby, use your nipple to tickle the center of your baby’s bottom lip. This will encourage him to open his mouth wide (like he is yawning). Aim your nipple slightly towards the roof of his mouth, bringing baby to you, chin first.

Good latch-on checkpoints for your baby include:

  • His nose is nearly touching your breast, that is, no further away than a credit card edge
  • His lips are flanged
  • At least ½ inch of your breast around the base of your nipple is in his mouth.

If the latch is uncomfortable or painful, gently place your finger in the baby’s mouth, between his gums, to detach him and try again.

A baby who is offered the breast will suck without swallowing as he positions the nipple in his mouth and tells your breast he is ready for the milk to let down. When he begins to receive milk, you will see his jaw working all the way back to his ear. His temples will wiggle. You will also hear him swallowing, quickly at first, then more slowly, as his appetite is satisfied.
 

 

Various breastfeeding positions

Try different breastfeeding positions to find the one that works best for you and your baby. You can see the options in our selection of photos

Share this information

There is no right or wrong way to hold the baby while
feeding, and mom and baby are sure to find their favorite position.
It is important that both you and your child feel comfortable. nine0011 1.2 It's good to learn a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques because life's circumstances often require us to be flexible, especially as your baby gets older and you start to leave the house more often.

Whatever position you choose to breastfeed your baby, remember a few simple rules.

  • Prepare everything you need before feeding, including drinks, food, mobile phone, TV remote control, book or magazine. And do not forget to go to the toilet - the feeding process can take a long time! nine0018
  • Make sure your baby is comfortable. Whichever position you choose, it's important to keep your baby strong, level, and provide good support for their head, neck, and spine.
  • You should also be comfortable. Don't stress. If necessary, use pillows of different sizes or rolls of towels to support your back or arms.
  • Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Proper grip is the key to comfort when breastfeeding. nine0018
  • If your baby does not latch on well or you experience pain while feeding, contact a lactation consultant for help. The specialist will also be able to show you how to hold your baby more comfortably.

1. Relaxed feeding or reclining position

The relaxed feeding position, also known as biological feeding, 1 is often the first position for most mothers. If, immediately after birth, the baby is placed on the mother’s chest or stomach, normally, he instinctively reaches for the breast and tries to grab the nipple. This phenomenon is known as the breast seeking reflex. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the infant's feeding instinct, and gravity helps him to latch onto the breast and maintain balance. nine0003

But it's not just newborns that can be fed in the reclining position - this position is great for babies of all ages. It can be especially helpful if your baby does not latch well in other positions or does not like to be touched during feeding, and also if you have too much milk flow or too large breasts. Isabelle, a mother from the UK, shares her experience: “I had large breasts, and the baby was born small - 2.7 kg, so it was not easy to find a comfortable position at first. After a few weeks, it became clear that there was no “correct” posture for me. As a result, I most often fed lying down, putting the baby on my chest. ” nine0003

It is more convenient to feed not lying flat on your back, but half-sitting, leaning on pillows. So you will have a back support and you will be able to watch the baby during feeding.

2. Cradle position

This is the classic
first thought of breastfeeding. Mom sits straight
, and the baby lies on her side on her arm, pressing his stomach against her stomach. 3 Although this is a very popular position, it is not always easy to master with newborns because it gives the baby less support. Try putting a pillow under your back, and put a special breastfeeding pillow on your knees and lean on it with your hands. So you can more reliably support the child, without overstraining your back and shoulders. Just make sure that the baby does not lie too high on the pillow for feeding. The breast should remain at a natural level so that the baby can grab it without effort, otherwise sore nipples cannot be avoided. nine0003

“I breastfed in the cradle position because it suited me perfectly! It was comfortable and I loved just sitting and looking at my little one,” recalls Rachel, a mother of two from Italy.

3. Cross Cradle

This breastfeeding position looks almost the same as Cradle, but the baby is on the other arm. 3 This gives your baby support around the neck and shoulders so he can tilt his head to latch on. This position is great for breastfeeding newborns and small babies, as well as for babies who do not latch well. Since the baby lies completely on the other hand, it becomes easier to control his position and you can adjust the chest with your free hand. nine0003

Julie, a UK mother of two, finds this position very practical: “I usually breastfeed my youngest in the cross cradle position. So I have a free second hand, and I can take care of an older baby at the same time. ”

Do not hold the baby's head at first, otherwise you may inadvertently press his chin against his chest. Because of this, the child will not be able to take the breast deeply, because the nipple will rest against the base of the tongue, and not against the palate, which will lead to inflammation of the nipples. As the child grows, this position becomes more comfortable, and he can rest his head on your palm (as shown in the photo above). nine0003

4. Underarm breastfeeding

In this position, also known as the “ball grip”, the mother sits with the baby lying along her arm at the side, legs towards the back of the chair (or any other seat). 3 Another comfortable position for newborn breastfeeding, you can give your baby good support, full control of his position and a good view of his face. And the baby feels safe in close contact with the mother's body. This position is especially good for those who have had a caesarean section or a premature birth, as well as mothers of twins and women with large breasts. nine0003

“When I breastfed my first daughter, I had very large K-sized breasts—twice the size of her head,” recalls Amy, an Australian mother of two. - I put rolls of towels under each breast, because they were very heavy, and fed my daughter in a pose from under the arm, but only sitting straighter so as not to crush her. This position was also convenient because I had a caesarean section and could not put the baby on my stomach.”

5. Side-lying position

The side-lying position is ideal for a relaxed
nighttime feeding in bed or on the couch. If you had a
caesarean section or ruptures during childbirth, this position may be more comfortable than sitting down. 3 In this position, mother and baby lie side by side, tummy to tummy.

“It was difficult for me to sit during endless night feedings, firstly because of the caesarean section, and secondly because of lack of sleep,” recalls Francesca, a mother from the UK. “And then I discovered that you can feed your baby lying on your side and rest at the same time. ” nine0003

“Because of the short tongue frenulum, Maisie could only properly latch on to her breasts while lying on her side. The lactation consultant showed me how it's done. In this position, the flow of milk was optimal for my daughter, and it was easier for her to keep the nipple in her mouth. As she got older, she became much better at grabbing her breasts in normal positions,” says Sarah, mother of two from Australia.

6. Relaxed breastfeeding after caesarean section

If you can't find a comfortable position for breastfeeding after caesarean section, 3 try holding the baby on your shoulder in a reclining position – this does not stress the postoperative suture and allows you to breastfeed your baby comfortably. You can also try side feeding.

7. Sitting upright breastfeeding or “koala pose”

When breastfeeding in an upright position or “koala pose”, the baby sits with a straight back and a raised head on the mother's hip. 4 This position can be tried even with a newborn if it is well supported, but it is especially convenient for feeding a grown child who can already sit up by himself. The upright sitting position, or “koala pose,” is great for toddlers who suffer from reflux or ear infections and feel better sitting. In addition, this pose may be suitable for children with a shortened frenulum of the tongue or reduced muscle tone. nine0003

“When my daughter got a little older, I would often feed her in an upright position, which was more comfortable for both of us, and I could still hold her close,” recalls Peggy, a mother from Switzerland. “Besides, it was possible to discreetly breastfeed her in public places.”

8. Overhanging position

In this position, the baby lies on his back, and the mother bends over him
on all fours so that the nipple falls directly into his mouth. 4 Some moms say this breastfeeding position is good to use occasionally for mastitis, when touching the breasts is especially unpleasant. Some say that this breastfeeding position helps with blockage of the milk ducts, although there is no scientific evidence for this yet. You can also feed in the “overhanging” position while sitting, kneeling over the baby on a bed or sofa, as well as reclining on your stomach with support on your elbows. Pillows of various sizes that you can lean on will help you avoid back and shoulder strain. nine0003

“I have breastfed several times in the 'overhang' position for clogged milk ducts when no other means of dissolving the blockage worked. And this pose seems to have helped. I think it's because of gravity, and also because the breasts were at a completely different angle than with normal feeding, and my daughter sucked her differently, ”says Ellie, a mother of two from the UK.

Feeding in the "overhanging" position is unlikely to be practiced regularly, but in some cases this position may be useful. nine0003

“I used to breastfeed in the overhang position when my baby was having trouble latch-on,” says Lorna, mother of two in the UK. - This, of course, is not the most convenient way, but then I was ready for anything, if only he could capture the chest. We succeeded and have been breastfeeding for eight months now!”

9. Breastfeeding in a sling or in a sling

Breastfeeding in a sling takes some practice, but it can be used to go out, look after older children, or even do a little household chores. nine0003

The sling is also useful if the baby does not like to lie down or is often attached to the breast. Lindsey, a mother of two in the US, notes: “I used the carrier frequently for both of my children. When we were out, I tied the sarong around my neck and covered the carrier with it. Under such a cape, the baby can eat as much as he wants until he falls asleep.

This breastfeeding position is best when the baby is already good at breastfeeding and can hold his head up by himself. Any slings are suitable for breastfeeding, including elastic and rings, as well as carrying bags. Whatever option you choose, the main thing is that you can always see the face of the child, and his chin does not rest against his chest. nine0003

10. Double hand-held breastfeeding

Double hand-held breastfeeding (or “double-ball grab”) is great for mothers of twins—you can breastfeed both at the same time and keep your arms relatively free. 4 When feeding in this position, it is advisable to use a special pillow for breastfeeding twins, especially at first. It will provide extra support and help keep both babies in the correct position, as well as reduce the burden on the abdomen if you had a caesarean section. In addition, the hands are freer, and if necessary, you can deal with one child without interfering with the second. nine0003

“My twins were born very tiny and had to be fed every two hours at any time of the day or night. Very soon it became clear: if I want to do anything besides feeding, I need to feed them both at the same time, - says Emma, ​​mother of two children from the UK. “I breastfed them two by hand using a breastfeeding pillow.”

Other good positions for breastfeeding twins are two criss-cross cradles, one baby in the cradle and the other close at hand, reclining feeding, or sitting upright (one baby on one side, the other on the other). nine0003

11. Breastfeeding in the "hand-supported" or "dancer's hand" position

muscle tone (which is typical for premature babies, children suffering from various diseases or Down syndrome), try supporting his head and your chest at the same time. 4 Grasp your chest with your palm underneath so that your thumb is on one side and all the others are on the other. Move your hand slightly forward so that your thumb and forefinger form a "U" just in front of your chest. With the other three fingers, continue to support the chest. With your thumb and forefinger, hold the baby's head while feeding so that his chin rests on the part of the palm between them, your thumb gently holds the baby on one cheek, and your index finger on the other. So the baby gets excellent support, and you can control his position and see if he is holding his breast. nine0003

Literature

1 Colson SD et al. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev . 2008;84(7):441-449. - Colson S.D. et al., "Optimal Positions for Provoking Primitive Innate Reflexes to Induce Breastfeeding." Early Hume Dev. 2008;84(7):441-449.

2 UNICEF UK BFHI [ Internet ]. Off to the best start ; 2015 [ cited 2018 Feb ]. - UNICEF UK, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Start the Best You Can [Internet]. 2015 [cited February 2018].

3 Cadwell K. Latching - On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery & Women's Health. nine0133 2007;52(6):638-642. — Cadwell, K., "Latching and sucking in healthy newborns: evaluation of breastfeeding." F Midwifery Women Health. 2007;52(6):638-642.

4 Wambach K, Riordan J, editors. Breastfeeding and human lactation. Jones & Bartlett Learning ; 2014. 966 p . - Wambach K., Riordan J., "Breastfeeding and female lactation". Burlington, MA: Publishing House Jones & Bartlett Learning ; 2014. Pp. 966.

Positions for breastfeeding | Medela

For most mothers, breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be learned. Therefore, mothers may need extra help in teaching breastfeeding skills. In particular, they may need guidance on how to position the baby and how to attach it to the breast in a way that is comfortable for both mother and baby. There are many breastfeeding positions that can suit every breastfeeding mother. It is very important that the mother always feels comfortable while breastfeeding. As a rule, the baby should be positioned so that his face is turned towards the mother's body, and the head, shoulders and hips are in line. The most commonly used postures are cradle, cross cradle, grip, and side lying. nine0003

Share this information

Cradle position

Cradle position is the most common position for feeding a baby.

The mother's hand supports the baby at the breast. The baby's head lies next to the mother's elbow, while her arm supports the baby along the back and neck. The baby's chest should be turned to the mother's chest.

Cross cradle position

In the cross cradle position, the mother takes the child with her other hand (relative to the cradle position), supporting his head and neck. With the other hand, she can support the breast and, if necessary, squeeze it, so that it is more convenient for the child to grab the nipple. nine0003

In this position, the mother can easily guide the baby to the breast when he is ready to take her.

“Capture” position

The baby is located on the side of the mother, his body and legs are at her fingertips. The mother holds the baby's head in her hand. In this position, you can also put your hand on a pillow.

This position may be optimal for mothers who have had a caesarean section because there is little or no pressure on the chest and abdomen in this position.

This position can also be beneficial for babies who are born low birth weight or who have problems latching on as the baby's head is fully supported in this position. nine0003

Side-lying position

Mother lies on her side facing the baby. The baby's mouth is on the same level as the nipple.

Mom can also use a pillow to support her back and neck.

This position may also be optimal for mothers who have had a caesarean section, as there is little or no pressure on the chest and abdomen in this position.

Literature

American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians 2006).

Learn more