Breastfeeding is a fantastic way to both feed your child and bond with your baby at the same time, but getting to that Zen-peaceful moment — when your baby is happily eating while you enjoy the sweet smell of newborn skin — doesn’t always come easily. When breastfeeding is a struggle but you don’t want to give up, changing positions can help solve your issue. But which position to try? We consulted with experts to bring you six different breastfeeding positions as well as the situations in which each position might come in handy.
Cradle hold
The cradle hold feels more snuggly than other breastfeeding positions, which is why it’s often the go-to feeding position for moms, says Tipper Gallagher, IBCLC and author of The Boob Geek. “It's a really good position for nursing in public for those who are nervous about it,” she says, “since your baby's body will cover yours, and it's not very obvious that you're breastfeeding unless someone looks very closely.”
Cross-cradle hold
Jenny Weaver, RN, IBCLC and IBCLC facilitator at Boston Medical Center’s Baby Café at the Codman Square Health Center, suggests the cross-cradle hold as a good option for plus-size moms. “Because the baby is held along the breasts, it helps bring the baby in close to your body for a deep latch,” she says.
Next up: More breastfeeding positions
Football hold
The football hold is a good option if you’re a mom who likes to watch her baby while they feed or if you’re a mom with large breasts that prevent you from easily seeing what’s going on while your baby feeds. “The football hold is good because it allows the baby to get a big mouthful, and Mom can see better what is going on,” says Wendy Wisner, IBCLC. It’s also a good option for tandem-feeding twins, but you may need assistance getting both babies latched. Gallagher reminds us that when tandem-feeding in the football hold, “Don’t rely on the pillow too much, and make sure the babies are pulled in closely to you.”
Side-lying hold
If your baby is a fan of midnight snacks, then this is the position for you. “Hands down, side-lying is lifesaving for middle-of-the-night feeds,” says Wisner. She recommends getting someone, like your partner, to help you get the baby latched on while you’re lying down. Or, “You can also latch your baby on while sitting on the bed and then slide down to find a natural side-lying position.”
Next up: More breastfeeding positions
Upright nursing hold
If your milk flows too fast for your baby to keep up, Wisner suggests trying an upright feeding position. Working against gravity can help slow down your flow.
Lying-back hold
Weaver reminds us that any of the traditional breastfeeding positions can also be performed in a lying-back position. To do this, recline far enough so you don’t have to support the baby but can still maintain eye contact. Then place your baby tummy down on your chest. The position is relaxing (making it great for night feedings) and easily adjustable to keep a baby off a healing C-section scar. Because the baby is working against gravity to eat, the position can help with a fast milk flow.
And keep in mind these tips from Gallagher for breastfeeding in general:
- Baby needs to be pulled tightly, his belly turned into your body. Keep your hand off the back of his head; instead, use a hand on his upper back to pull him in.
- Look for ear, shoulder and hip in alignment — that is, baby isn't on her back with her head turned toward the breast.
- Baby's chin should be off his chest. Think of how you have to tilt your head back to take a drink; babies need to do that too.
- Baby's chin should be into the breast and her nose free of it. Her cheeks should be close enough to the breast that they're touching it.
