5 Best Breastfeeding Positions You Should Try

One of the best parts of breastfeeding is that you can do it about anywhere and in any position. You can sit up, lie down, bend over, or even stand up while you breastfeed your baby. Whether you are trying a new position or simply looking for ways to make breastfeeding more comfortable, we have gotten you covered.

We know, who has the time these days to read a whole book about breastfeeding? To help in this regard, we have created a few different summarized positions points that cover the main topics of our breastfeeding handouts. Adding these points should help you determine quickly if our handouts make sense to you.

If you and your baby are both comfortable, you can do it. Some moms will choose a chair or couch to make breastfeeding more relaxing, while others like to sit on the sofa or floor. You could also nurse in an upright position when you are in a car seat, stroller, or at a sporting event. Feeding your baby can be one of the most satisfying experiences in life, and breastfeeding is an essential part of caring for your newborn. However, many breastfeeding positions are often misperceived.

There are four common breastfeeding positions:

• laid-Back Nursing Position
• cross-cradle hold
• side-lying
• football Hold
• cradle Hold

All these positions work well while breastfeeding. As you try the different holds, you may find some of them more comfortable than others. Also, certain positions may be more suitable for nursing in different situations. For example, if you have had a Cesarean section delivery (C-section), it might be more comfortable to nurse in the side-lying position. The most important thing is to maintain a good latch by keeping your baby’s body close to yours and his chin pressed against your breast.

New moms know that breastfeeding can be challenging. Whether you are expecting twins, triplets, or just one baby, choosing the best breastfeeding position for you and your baby can help make breastfeeding a breeze. Here is a quick guide to the most popular breastfeeding positions, from the basic cradle hold to more advanced techniques: –

The 5 best breastfeeding positions are:

If you choose to breastfeed, you will have many options for positioning your baby. Here are the basics of a few breastfeeding positions.

1. The Laid-Back Nursing Position

There is nothing more natural than breastfeeding, and there is no position more natural than the Laid-Back Nursing Position. More comfortable for you and your baby, this less stressful position also makes breastfeeding much easier. It can even be used by twins or a preemie.

If your baby was born prematurely or is having difficulties latching on, the laid-back position can help you establish a breastfeeding relationship. It is a good choice for anyone, but it may be especially helpful for twins or if your baby has difficulty latching on.

2. The Cradle Hold

This is the best position for breastfeeding, in which you hold your baby face to face, in a cradle-like manner. This may not be possible right away (you will get the hang of it), but once breastfeeding is established this position is often used because it is comfortable and convenient.

It is a comfortable way to breastfeed, but it can be difficult for new mothers who have sore nipples and trouble latching on. Put the baby into the cradle hold by supporting the baby’s head with one hand while your other hand supports the baby’s trunk. Put your breast into the baby’s mouth to begin feeding. Once the latch is established, let go of the baby’s head and support yourself against a chair with your free arm to relieve pressure on your back.

3. The Cross-Cradle Hold

The Cross-Cradle hold is a position you can use when breastfeeding. It works well for nursing preemies, newborns, and babies 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.

Newborns are often sleepy and holding your baby close to you can help comfort her. Some mothers find that this position is the best one for getting a newborn latched on. The first step is to bring both arms under your baby’s body, so you have your hands on either side of her chest. To complete the cross-cradle hold, gently cradle her head with one hand and lift her bottom with the other hand.

4. The Football Hold

The Football Hold can be used to breastfeed twins or help a baby nurse from one breast. It also works well for mothers who have large breasts and small babies, or flat or inverted nipples. This hold provides a good view of the baby’s mouth and allows you to nurse both breasts at one time.

This position is recommended for newborns and young babies since it is easy on their heads and necks. It may be a better choice as babies get older because there is less strain on the woman’s back than with any of the other positions. The football hold can be tiring or uncomfortable if you are having heavy letdowns (large quantities of milk), but women with large breasts may find that the football hold provides more support for the nursing baby than some other positions. In this position, a pillow or rolled-up towel can help the mother who has smaller amounts of breast tissue.

5. The Side-Lying Position

Nursing in a side-lying position is very relaxing for both you and your baby. In this position, your baby can nurse lying on either side of your body, or prop upon his arm and nurse while looking at you (this is also a great position to use during the newborn period). It relieves the pressure on your back while still allowing your baby to get the maximum amount of milk.

Whether you are breastfeeding your child, or just looking for a way to get a good night’s sleep, the side-lying nursing position is the perfect alternative to the feeding position. Try this alternative floor-level pose with your baby to take some pressure off your back and allow your little one to enjoy the security of being close to mom.

Breastfeeding is an art, not a science—and one of the many things about nursing that makes it more pleasurable for new moms and dads is that there are so many options. Each mother’s body is unique, so not everyone will be able to nurse in the same way. When nursing your baby, it is important to alternate the positions that you use. Different holds will help your baby more effectively drain the different areas of your breasts, preventing plugged milk ducts, and some of the other common problems of breastfeeding.