Feeding Positions
Your position
How you position yourself, how you hold your baby, and how you offer your breast all affect how baby latches on. This will determine how comfortable you and your baby will be during breastfeeding. Choose a comfortable well supported sitting or lying position to avoid getting a stiff back, shoulder or neck muscles, or cracked nipples from the baby poorly latching on to the breast.
Baby’s position
Babies as well as mothers should be comfortable during breastfeeding. Baby’s breastfeeding reflexes work best when baby is well supported with their body comfortably aligned.
Position your baby across your front, hold them with their chest and tummy facing you (baby’s chest to your chest, baby’s chin to your breast) and their nose opposite the nipple and their arms either side of your breast. Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to your baby.
Common feeding positions
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Cradle
The most commonly recognised breastfeeding positions. If you are feeding on your right breast, use your right arm to hold your baby. Your opposite arm can be used to shape or support the breast if needed. Pillows can be used to support your arms but not the baby.
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Cross Cradle
Similar to the cradle hold, except you use your opposite hand to support your baby. This position is good for learning as you have more control and a good line of sight to the nipple. Ensure that your hand does not push the head into the breast but gently supports through their shoulders.
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Football
Great for those with larger breasts. Use your left hand for your left breast, leaving your right hand free to help your baby latch. Scoop your baby’s bottom in close and have them on their side. This position can get harder as they get larger and longer but is great for learning.
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Laid Back
One of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions. Great for post-C-section, fast-flowing milk, and reflux babies. Latch your baby while reclined or sitting up, then gently lean your body back, supporting yourself with pillows to ensure you are comfortable.
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Sidelying
One of the best positions for feeding overnight. This is also a great position after a c section. Lie on your side, bring your baby close to you, tummy to tummy, aim for their nose to be at nipple height, they should have one hand under your breast and the other on top. You can use your top arm to support your baby or breast and rest your bottom arm under your head.
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Koala
This position is more commonly seen in older babies but can be useful for younger babies who struggle with ear infections or reflux and have difficulty with laid-down feeding positions. Have them straddled over your leg and use your hands to support their head and neck.
For more information on feeding your baby please refer to our Your Baby publication contained in your new parent sample pack!
If you haven't yet received a pack you can request one below.