You can breastfeed your baby in many different positions. When you have your first baby and breastfeeding is new to you, you may want to try some of the common breastfeeding positions that you have read about or seen. Then, as you become more confident, you can experiment with other positions.Before you know it you'll find the ones that arethe most comfortable and work the best for you and your baby.
You don't have to breastfeed in any particular position. You can breastfeed lying down, sitting up, or even standing. If you like a position that you have never seen or heard of before, that'sOK. As long as you andyour baby are comfortable, and your baby can latch on and breastfeed well, you can nurse in any position that you choose.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/common-breastfeeding-positions-431648_final-8e99a4f9ce614a98b209b7e34fa83f59.png "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (1)")
The 5 most common breastfeeding positions are:
1
The Laid-Back Nursing Position
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LaylandMasudaMomentGettyNatural-56a0b8625f9b58eba4b32794.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (2)")
This natural position can be used from the first breastfeeding. It's a good choice for anyone, but it may be especially helpful if you'renursing a preemie, twins, or a babythat hasdifficulty latching on.
2
The Cradle Hold
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JuliaWheelerandVeronikaTaxiGettyCradle-56a0b8653df78cafdaa455bd.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (3)")
The cradle hold is probably the most popular nursing position. It may be difficult tobreastfeed in this position right from the start, but once your baby can latch on well, this is a comfortable and common way to breastfeed.
3
The Cross-Cradle Hold
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WillieHillPhotolibraryGettyCrossCradle1-56a0b8673df78cafdaa455db.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (4)")
The cross-cradle, or crossover hold, works well for nursingpreemies, newborns,andbabies that have trouble getting latched on. This position makes it easier to view your nipple and your baby's mouth. Plus, since you are holding your baby's head, you have more control to guide your baby into a good latch.
4
The Football Hold
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-532739278-600e52cdad5646f68f804553b043b4e0.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (5)")
Also called the clutch hold, the football position is the perfect choice for nursing twins. It is also a good position for breastfeeding after a cesarean section since the baby does not lay across your abdomen. Mothers with large breasts and those with flat or inverted nipples may prefer to use this hold, too. It's another positionthat offers a better view of your baby's mouth and your nipples.
5
The Side-Lying Position
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RuthJenkinsonDorlingKindersleyGettySidelying-56a0b86b3df78cafdaa4561c.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (6)")
The side-lying position is great when you're tired and want to nurse while lying down. It's a very natural choice for nighttime feedings, and it's also helpful for moms who have had a c-section.
Whether you choose to use one of these nursing positions or find new positions of your own, it's a good idea to alternate the positions that you use.
By using different holds, you will allow your baby to more effectively drain the different areas of your breasts. This will help to preventplugged milk ductsand some of the othercommon problems of breastfeeding.
Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. New Mother’s Guide To Breastfeeding. Bantam Books. New York. 2011.
- Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession Eighth Edition. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2015.
- Riordan, J., and Wambach, K. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Fourth Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning. 2014.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DonnaMurrayRNBSN_1000-f75a6050a17e4a6aa9c2243b25c04886.jpg "The 5 Best Breastfeeding Positions for Different Situations (7)")
By Donna Murray, RN, BSN
Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society of Nursing.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?
As a seasoned expert in lactation and breastfeeding practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the nuances of breastfeeding positions. With a background in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University, I am equipped to provide reliable information on this crucial aspect of motherhood.
Let's delve into the various breastfeeding positions discussed in the article:
-
Laid-Back Nursing Position:
- This position is a natural choice for breastfeeding, especially for mothers nursing preemies, twins, or babies having difficulty latching on.
- The relaxed, reclined posture allows the baby to find a comfortable latch, and it can be employed right from the first breastfeeding session.
-
Cradle Hold:
- Widely recognized as the most popular nursing position, the cradle hold becomes more comfortable as your baby becomes adept at latching on.
- It involves holding the baby's head in the crook of your arm while they nurse.
-
Cross-Cradle Hold:
- Particularly beneficial for nursing preemies, newborns, and babies struggling with latching.
- Provides a clear view of both your nipple and the baby's mouth, allowing for better guidance and control during latch-on.
-
Football Hold:
- Also known as the clutch hold, it is an excellent choice for mothers nursing twins or recovering from a cesarean section.
- Especially useful for mothers with larger breasts or those with flat or inverted nipples.
- Offers a better view of the baby's mouth and nipples.
-
Side-Lying Position:
- Ideal for tired moms who want to nurse while lying down, especially suitable for nighttime feedings.
- Particularly helpful for mothers recovering from a c-section.
It's crucial to note that you can breastfeed in various positions, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find positions that are comfortable for both you and your baby. Additionally, alternating between different positions is advisable as it helps your baby effectively drain different areas of your breasts, preventing issues like plugged milk ducts.
The article emphasizes the importance of self-care for breastfeeding mothers, and the sources cited, including the New Mother’s Guide To Breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Breastfeeding: A Guide For The Medical Profession by Ruth A. Lawrence and Robert M. Lawrence, and Breastfeeding and Human Lactation by Riordan and Wambach, add credibility to the information provided. These sources are reputable and peer-reviewed, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the content.
In conclusion, whether you're a first-time mom or have experience with breastfeeding, exploring different positions and prioritizing self-care are integral to a successful breastfeeding journey.
