Introduction
Finding the right breastfeeding position can be the difference between a painful, frustrating experience and a comfortable, bonding moment with your baby. If you’re struggling with sore nipples, back pain, or a baby who won’t latch properly, the solution might be simpler than you think—you may just need to try a different position.
Every mother and baby pair is unique, and what works perfectly for your friend might not work for you. The good news? There are multiple breastfeeding positions to explore, and with a little experimentation, you’ll find the ones that feel natural and comfortable for both you and your little one.
Why Breastfeeding Position Matters
The right position can help with:
- Proper latch: A good position makes it easier for baby to take a deep latch
- Preventing nipple pain: Correct positioning reduces trauma to your nipples
- Efficient milk transfer: Baby can drain the breast more effectively
- Reducing gas and reflux: Certain positions minimize air intake
- Mom’s comfort: Less strain on your back, neck, and shoulders
- Easier letdown: Relaxation promotes milk flow
Understanding different positions also gives you options for various situations—feeding in public, dealing with engorgement, nursing a sleepy baby, or managing specific challenges like oversupply or a strong letdown.
The 8 Best Breastfeeding Positions
1. Cradle Hold (Traditional Hold)
Best for: Established breastfeeding, older babies (after 4-6 weeks)
This classic position is what most people picture when they think of breastfeeding.
How to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable chair with good back support
- Hold your baby across your body, tummy to tummy
- Baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm on the same side you’re nursing
- Support baby’s bottom with your forearm and hand
- Use your opposite hand to support your breast if needed
- Baby’s nose should align with your nipple
Tips:
- Use pillows to bring baby up to breast level—don’t hunch over
- Keep baby’s entire body facing you, not just their head turned
- Ensure baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip form a straight line
- This position requires good head control, so it’s often easier after the newborn stage
2. Cross-Cradle Hold
Best for: Newborns, babies with latch difficulties, learning proper positioning
This variation gives you more control over your baby’s head, making it ideal for new moms still mastering breastfeeding.
How to do it:
- Sit comfortably with good back support
- Hold your baby with the arm opposite to the breast you’re using
- Support baby’s head with your hand (not in the crook of your elbow)
- Your fingers should be behind baby’s ears, not pushing the back of their head
- Use your free hand to support and shape your breast
- Guide baby to your breast, bringing baby to you (not breast to baby)
Tips:
- This gives you precise control for teaching proper latch
- Keep your hand supporting the base of baby’s head, not the back
- Once baby latches, you can transition to the regular cradle hold
- Use a nursing pillow to reduce arm strain
3. Football Hold (Clutch Hold)
Best for: C-section recovery, large breasts, twins, babies with reflux, premature babies
In this position, you tuck your baby under your arm like a football, with their feet pointing toward your back.
How to do it:
- Sit with a pillow at your side
- Position baby along your side with their body under your arm
- Support baby’s head with your hand, facing them toward your breast
- Baby’s feet should point toward your back
- Use pillows to bring baby up to breast height
- Baby’s nose should be level with your nipple
Tips:
- Excellent for moms recovering from C-section (keeps pressure off incision)
- Allows you to see baby’s latch clearly
- Great for controlling a fast letdown—gravity works in your favor
- Perfect for nursing twins simultaneously (one on each side)
- Helpful if you have large breasts that might cover baby’s nose
4. Side-Lying Position
Best for: Night feedings, C-section recovery, tired moms, babies with reflux
This position allows both you and baby to rest while nursing—perfect for those exhausting early weeks.
How to do it:
- Lie on your side in bed with pillows supporting your back
- Place baby on their side facing you, tummy to tummy
- Baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple
- Use your lower arm to support yourself or tuck it under your pillow
- Use your upper arm to support baby’s back if needed
- Place a small rolled towel or blanket behind baby for support
Tips:
- Great for night feeds—you can doze while baby nurses
- Keep baby close to prevent them from rolling onto their back
- Switch breasts by either moving baby over you or switching sides yourself
- Never fall asleep if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking sedating medications
- Some moms place a pillow between their knees for comfort
5. Laid-Back Position (Biological Nurturing)
Best for: Newborns, strong letdown, overactive milk supply, babies who struggle with latch
This semi-reclined position uses gravity to help with latch and lets baby’s natural feeding reflexes take over.
How to do it:
- Recline at a 45-degree angle (not flat) with pillows supporting you
- Place baby tummy-down on your chest/abdomen
- Baby’s head should be near your breast but not directly on it
- Let baby use their natural rooting reflexes to find and latch onto the breast
- Support baby’s bottom and back as needed
- Baby can use their hands and feet to steady themselves
Tips:
- Slows down a fast letdown—gravity works against milk flow
- Reduces risk of baby choking or gulping
- Encourages skin-to-skin contact
- Allows baby to control the pace and depth of latch
- Many babies instinctively latch well in this position
- Great for reluctant nursers or babies fighting the breast
6. Koala Hold (Upright/Straddle Hold)
Best for: Babies with reflux, older babies who like to sit up, babies with ear infections
Baby sits upright on your lap, straddling your thigh, facing you while nursing.
How to do it:
- Sit upright in a comfortable chair
- Position baby sitting up on your lap, straddling one of your thighs
- Baby faces you with their chest against yours
- Support baby’s head and neck with one hand
- Support baby’s hips and bottom with your other hand or arm
- Baby latches while sitting upright
Tips:
- Excellent for babies with reflux—gravity helps keep milk down
- Good for babies with ear infections (pressure is reduced when upright)
- Works well for older, more active babies who resist lying down
- Requires baby to have good head and neck control
- Can be used for toddlers who want to nurse independently
7. Dangle Feeding
Best for: Plugged ducts, mastitis, using gravity to help milk flow
This position uses gravity to help drain specific areas of the breast.
How to do it:
- Position yourself on hands and knees over your baby
- Baby lies on their back on a bed or other flat surface
- Dangle your breast into baby’s mouth
- Use pillows under baby’s head if needed for proper height
- Support yourself with your arms
Tips:
- Not comfortable for regular feeds, but useful for specific issues
- Gravity helps drain the upper portions of your breast
- Particularly helpful for stubborn plugged ducts in the upper breast
- Usually only done for 5-10 minutes at a time
- Can also be done by leaning over baby in a chair
8. Australian Hold (Reverse Cradle)
Best for: Fast letdown, overactive milk supply, babies who choke or gulp
Similar to laid-back nursing, but baby is positioned more upright against you.
How to do it:
- Recline slightly at about 30-45 degrees
- Position baby upright, with their head higher than your nipple
- Baby latches while slightly looking down at the breast
- Support baby’s bottom and back
- Baby’s body is angled upward rather than horizontal
Tips:
- Slows milk flow using gravity
- Reduces choking and gulping during letdown
- Can help prevent overfeeding
- Good for babies who struggle with a forceful letdown
- Named “Australian” because baby is “down under” (nursing upward)
Finding Your Perfect Position
Experiment freely: Don’t feel locked into one position. Many moms use different positions throughout the day based on circumstances.
Give it time: A position might feel awkward at first but become comfortable with practice.
Watch baby’s cues: If baby seems frustrated or isn’t transferring milk well, try a different position.
Use props: Pillows, nursing pillows, rolled towels, and footstools can make any position more comfortable.
Check the latch: Regardless of position, ensure baby has a deep latch with their lips flanged outward.
Listen to your body: If a position causes pain (beyond initial tenderness), it’s not right—try something else.
Troubleshooting Common Position Problems
Baby keeps unlatching: Try the cross-cradle or football hold for more control.
Sore nipples: Check that baby is taking a deep latch in any position—shallow latch causes pain.
Baby seems to struggle: Laid-back or side-lying positions often make latching easier.
Back or shoulder pain: Use more pillows to bring baby to breast height—never hunch over.
Fast letdown issues: Try laid-back, Australian hold, or side-lying positions.
Plugged ducts: Position baby’s chin toward the plugged area, or try dangle feeding.
Positions for Special Circumstances
After C-section: Football hold and side-lying protect your incision
Large breasts: Football hold allows you to see baby’s latch; use a rolled washcloth under breast for support
Small breasts: Most positions work well; you may not need to support your breast during feeding
Flat or inverted nipples: Cross-cradle gives you control to help baby latch; laid-back position uses baby’s reflexes
Twins: Double football hold allows simultaneous nursing
Toddlers: Koala hold works for older nurslings who want independence
Public nursing: Cradle hold is most discreet with a nursing cover or loose shirt
The Bottom Line
The “best” breastfeeding position is simply the one that works for you and your baby. Don’t worry if the textbook positions don’t feel natural at first—breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby.
Start with the cradle or cross-cradle hold as you’re learning, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other positions if you’re experiencing discomfort or challenges. Many successful breastfeeding mothers use a rotation of 2-3 favorite positions depending on time of day, location, and how they’re feeling.
Remember, comfort matters. If you’re tense and uncomfortable, your milk letdown can be affected. Find positions that allow you to relax, bond with your baby, and enjoy this special time together.
Key Takeaways
- There are at least 8 effective breastfeeding positions to choose from
- The right position helps with latch, comfort, and milk transfer
- Different positions solve different problems (reflux, fast letdown, recovery from C-section)
- Experiment to find what works best for you and your baby
- Use pillows and props to maximize comfort
- You can change positions throughout the day as needed
What’s your favorite breastfeeding position? Have you discovered any creative variations that work well for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a lactation consultant for personalized guidance on positioning and latch.
