Breastfeeding positions you and your newborn can try
As you and your baby start to get the hang of breastfeeding sessions, you may come to find that certain positions are more comfortable for the two of you — or even more effective! You might also find that a certain position works best for you every time, or you could prefer to switch things up with each feeding. As long as you and your newborn are happy, use whichever positions you like. Just make sure to always consider this handful of key considerations to remember when it comes to latching fundamentals!
When aligning your baby to the breast, always maintain a tummy to tummy (or belly button to belly button) line up. Babies should be looking at their parent and not trying to latch with their heads turned looking to the side.
Additionally, parents should support baby’s position with their hand placed comfortably along the baby’s shoulders and the nape of their neck (not holding the back of baby’s head). Babies feel most supported when they have all their close contact points touching and supported by the parent (shoulders, chest, hips, and legs). These fundamentals can and should be achieved in any breastfeeding position for comfort for both mothers, parents, and babies.
Try experimenting with these classic breastfeeding positions:
Football hold breastfeeding (also called the clutch hold)
Position your baby facing you along your side, next to the breast you’re nursing from, with their legs tucked under your arm (like a little football!). Support their head with the same hand (so if you’re nursing from your right breast, use your right hand) and use your other hand to cup your breast and facilitate latching. Pillows can help support your baby and bring their head to the correct height.
This position may be helpful for you if you had a C-section and want to avoid placing your baby against your abdomen.)
Laid-back breastfeeding (aka biological nurturing)
For this technique, lean back in a semi-reclined position on a bed or couch, bolstered by pillows. Place your baby’s stomach on your own stomach, with their head near your breast. Their feet should be supported by your body, and they should not need to turn their head to reach your breast. Use one hand to hold your breast and the other to support your baby’s neck and shoulders. Then, if necessary, help direct your nipple or support your breast to better guide your baby to latch on — from there, you and your baby should both be able to relax!
This position is also called biological nurturing because it’s meant to encourage your baby’s natural feeding instincts.
Side-lying breastfeeding
This position is a favorite among breastfeeding parents who may want to rest, relax, or lay down while nursing. To try it, both you and your baby should lie facing each other on your sides, stomach to stomach. Use your other hand (the one you’re not lying on) to cup your breast if necessary, and direct your nipple or support your breast to better guide your baby to latch on. If you plan to sleep alongside baby after nursing in the side-lying position, take care to ensure that there’s no excess bedding that could pose a suffocation risk to your baby, and only do this on a firm, flat surface, i.e., not a waterbed or couch. Additionally, ensure no one else is in the bed, and no medications that may induce drowsiness are taken by the breastfeeding parent.
For some lactating parents, this position takes a little while to master — but it can be your most comfortable bet during nighttime feedings and is a great option should you want to lie down while nursing at any point.
If you’re having any trouble settling into a comfortable breastfeeding position, talk with your International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or schedule an insurance-covered consultation with an IBCLC through The Lactation Network. An IBCLC can help you identify the positions that work best for you and your baby.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
