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Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant, or doctor with any questions about breastfeeding or your baby’s health.
Finding the right breastfeeding position can transform the experience from exhausting and painful to comfortable and connecting. There is no single “correct” position. What works beautifully for one mother and baby pair may not suit another. The key is understanding the principles behind good positioning, then finding the variation that feels right for you.
This guide covers the most effective breastfeeding positions for newborns, explains when each one is most useful, and offers practical tips to help you settle into feeding with confidence.
The Golden Rules of Breastfeeding Positioning
Whatever position you choose, a few universal principles apply:
- Baby’s whole body faces yours. Their tummy should be against your tummy. Twisting to reach the breast makes latching harder and feeding less comfortable.
- Support comes from the neck and shoulders, not the back of the head. Pushing on the back of a baby’s head can cause them to pull back from the breast rather than lean in.
- Baby’s head should be able to tilt back slightly. This allows a wide gape and helps the chin lead into the breast.
- You should not have to lean forward. Bring baby to you with pillows and your arms, not by hunching over.
- Ear, shoulder, and hip should be in a straight line. A twisted baby is an uncomfortable baby who feeds less efficiently.
The Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position most people picture. Your baby lies across your body, their head cradled in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast you are feeding from. Their body runs across your tummy, supported by your forearm, and their bottom sits in your hand.
This position works well once breastfeeding is established, but can be trickier for newborns because it gives you slightly less control over the baby’s head positioning. Many mothers find it easiest to start with the cross-cradle hold and transition to the cradle hold as feeding becomes more natural.
The Cross-Cradle Hold
The cross-cradle hold is widely recommended for newborns and mothers who are learning to breastfeed. To use this position, hold your baby across your body with the arm opposite to the breast you are feeding from. If feeding on the left breast, your right arm supports your baby’s body, with your right hand at the base of their skull.
Your left hand can then support the breast in a “C” or “U” hold. This gives you more control over the latch, allowing you to guide your baby’s head and compress the breast to make it easier for them to take a large mouthful.
This is an excellent position for:
- Newborns who are learning to latch
- Small or premature babies
- Mothers with larger breasts
- Anyone who has found latching difficult
The Football Hold (Underarm or Clutch Hold)
In the football hold, your baby is tucked under your arm like a rugby ball, with their legs pointing behind you. Their body is supported along your forearm and their head is in your hand. The baby feeds from the breast on the same side as the arm holding them.
This position is particularly useful for:
- Mothers recovering from a caesarean section, as there is no pressure on the abdomen
- Mothers with larger breasts or flat nipples
- Babies who struggle with the standard holds due to reflux or wind
- Feeding twins simultaneously (one under each arm)
Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)
Laid-back breastfeeding, sometimes called biological nurturing or the reclined position, involves the mother leaning back at roughly a 45-degree angle and placing the baby tummy-down on her chest. Gravity helps keep the baby in position against the body, and the baby’s natural feeding instincts are activated by skin-to-skin contact.
This position is especially powerful:
- Immediately after birth for the first feed
- When nipples are sore and a different angle may help
- When milk flow is very fast and baby is gulping or pulling off
- When you want a relaxing, low-effort feed
Research by Dr. Suzanne Colson into biological nurturing suggests this position activates more of the baby’s innate feeding reflexes than upright positions, making it particularly helpful when latching is difficult.
Side-Lying Position
For night feeds or feeds when you are exhausted, the side-lying position can be a wonderful option. Both you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple. Use a rolled towel or pillow behind the baby’s back to keep them safely in position.
Important safety note: If you are at risk of falling asleep while feeding, make sure you have set up a safe sleep space or return your baby to their own sleep surface before you sleep.
Upright or Koala Hold
In the upright or koala hold, your baby straddles your thigh or hip and feeds sitting upright. This position can be very helpful for babies who:
- Have reflux or frequently bring up milk
- Have ear infections that make lying flat uncomfortable
- Are older and more distractible
Recommended Products for Breastfeeding Comfort
Tips for Getting Comfortable
- Experiment with different positions until you find what works for you. Most mothers end up using two or three positions depending on the situation.
- Use whatever pillows, cushions, or rolled towels you need. There are no rules about props.
- Have a water bottle and snack nearby before you start. Breastfeeding makes most mothers intensely thirsty.
- Do not be discouraged if early feeds feel awkward. Most mothers and babies need two to four weeks to really find their rhythm.
Sources
- NHS (2023). Breastfeeding positions and attachment. nhs.uk
- Colson, S.D., Meek, J.H., Hawdon, J.M. (2008). Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Human Development, 84(7), 441-449.
- La Leche League International (2023). Positioning and Latch. llli.org
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (2022). Skin-to-skin contact. unicef.org.uk
