Positions

Breastfeeding positions

The most common breastfeeding positions are:

• cross-cradle or transition hold
• cradle hold
• football hold
• lying down.

Cross cradle

The cross-cradle hold is ideal for the early days. Sit up straight and hold your baby in the crook of the arm opposite the breast they will be feeding from – your baby’s body and head are in a straight line, his/her tummy to your tummy. Place your palm on your baby’s upper back, with your thumb on his/her ear and other fingers on your baby’s cheek and neck to support the head.

When your baby’s mouth is wide open, bring them even closer. His/her chin will come to the breast first. Always bring the baby to the breast and not the breast to the baby. You shouldn’t need to bend over or lean forward.

In the first days your nipples are very sensitive so it might hurt when your baby latches on, but the pain should disappear during the feed. If the pain persists, try another position and seek support from your healthcare professional or lactation specialist, sometimes all it takes to sort out a problem is a session with somebody who can offer information, coping tips and a listening ear.

Cradle hold

The cradle hold is similar to the cross-cradle position. It involves you sitting up and holding your baby with one arm on the side of the nursing breast, his/her head resting on your forearm. The other arm cradles the lower part of your baby’s body.

Football hold

The football hold is especially good for mums recovering from a Caesarean. It is also recommended if you have big breasts or if you are nursing twins. You sit up in a comfy armchair or in bed with your baby tucked under your arm at your side, his/her bottom resting by your elbow. Place your baby nose to nipple with his/her head facing the breast. If you position a pillow under your baby and they are at the right height to reach the breast, you don’t need to fully support the head.

Lying down

Lying down to breastfeed is recommended if you are tired, are nervous about holding your baby or are recovering from a C-section. You are lying down on the bed on your side, facing your baby, one of your arms keeping the baby close to the breast. Once your baby has latched on, support your head with the other arm or use pillows – you don’t want to end up with a sore neck. If you have large breasts, use a thin pillow or folded towel under your rib cage to lift your body slightly.

Find the right breastfeeding position for you

Experiment with the positions to find out what suits you and your baby. Whatever position you go for, ensure your baby’s head can tip back slightly while feeding - think of the way you tip your own head back when you’re drinking.

Soon you will be confident and relaxed enough to read, watch TV and even surf the internet while you breastfeed (you will need a breastfeeding pillow for the latter).

If you can’t visualise these positions, look at our videos that cover feeding positions.

What is biological nurturing?

Biological nurturing is a newly developed approach that many mums love because it makes for a relaxed breastfeeding experience. Lactation specialists have found it effective in dealing with various breastfeeding issues, including large breasts, mums who are not confident holding their babies, fussy babies and fast flow.

Unlike other positions, you are reclined in bed or in a comfy armchair and your baby is on your abdomen, just under the breasts. This position releases primitive neonatal reflexes, present in all mammals, so your baby will instinctively find his/her way to your breasts.

Biological nurturing is championed by Dr Suzanne Colson, a midwifery lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, and supported by the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.