10 Comfy Breastfeeding Positions to Try

10 Comfy Breastfeeding Positions to Try

When it comes to breastfeeding, finding the right position can make all the difference in comfort and effectiveness. While many start with a familiar hold, exploring different positions can alleviate discomfort and cater to various needs. Let’s delve into 10 comfy breastfeeding positions you can try to enhance your breastfeeding journey.

Cradle hold

The cradle hold, often the first choice for many, mimics the natural way we hold our babies and is widely depicted in nursing imagery.

However, it may not always be the most comfortable for mothers.

How to use the cradle hold

Position your baby’s head in the bend of your elbow on the same side as the breast you’re feeding from, ensuring your baby faces you, tummy to tummy. Utilise your free hand to assist with positioning or cupping your breast if needed.

This position is ideal for:

When you have limited space such as sitting on a dining chair or tub chair.

Considerations:

May cause shoulder, neck, and arm discomfort due to the weight of your baby.

Football hold

Also referred to as the Rugby Hold, under-arm and clutch position, this position is favoured by many, especially new mothers, for its support and versatility.

How to use the football hold

Place your baby under your arm, aligning their head with your breast and their feet towards the back of the chair or couch. Support your baby’s head with the arm on the same side you’re feeding from, with their back resting along your forearm. Use a breastfeeding pillow to provide additional support.

This position is ideal for:

Premature or smaller babies, post-caesarean comfort, mothers with larger breasts, and expressing while feeding.

Laid back/reclined position

Perfect for relaxed feeding sessions, especially post-birth in a comfortable bed setting, this position encourages bonding and relaxation. Ideal for starting the breast crawl soon after your baby is born.

How to use the laid back/reclined position

Recline comfortably (you don’t need to be flat), positioning your baby’s stomach against yours and guiding their head to latch onto the breast.

This position is ideal for:

Promoting skin-to-skin contact and managing over-supply, fast letdown or fast flow as it helps to slow the flow of milk.

Side lying

Ideal for night feeds, this position offers comfort and convenience, provided you have a safe sleeping surface for your baby.

How to use the side lying position

Lie on your side with your baby positioned belly-to-belly, ensuring their mouth aligns with your nipple.

This position is ideal for:

Night time feedings without leaving the bed.

Cross cradle

Similar to the cradle hold but with added comfort, this position involves supporting your baby with the opposite arm.

How to use the cross cradle position

Support your baby with the arm opposite to the breast being fed from, cradling their body along your forearm. This will leave the arm on the feeding side free to support your breast or do some scrolling.

This position is ideal for:

Limited space scenarios and wanting to keep the feeding arm free.

Upright feeding position/baby sitting

Also known as the Koala hold, this upright position suits both you and your baby, promoting engagement and comfort. Use this position while sitting or standing.

How to use the upright feeding position

In a seated position, sit your baby on your lap, across one or both legs, with their head at breast level. With older babies that are mobile and toddlers, you can also perform this position with your baby standing on the floor and you seated on a chair.

This position is ideal for:

Active older babies and toddlers, and those with specific medical conditions like reflux, ear infections, tongue tie and low muscle tone.

Feeding in a sling

This can be a tricky one to get the hang of and the positioning will depend on the type of sling or carrier that you are using.

How to feed in a baby sling or carrier

Loosen the straps of the sling/carrier, making sure baby is still secure. Guide them to the breast and help them latch on.

This position is ideal for:

When out and about, helping to sooth babies with reflux or that are unsettled for long periods.

Double Hold

The most popular double hold is the football hold with a baby on each side, but the double hold can be achieved with the cradle hold and other positions. You will most likely need a twin feeding pillow to assist you with this position.

How to use the double hold feeding position

For the double football hold, Support one baby on each side under your arms, ensuring their heads align with your breasts, as with the Football Hold. Support your babys’ head with the arm on the same side you are feeding so your baby’s back lies along the inside of your arm.

This position is ideal for:

Twin or tandem feeding.

Dangle feeding

Dangle feeding allows your breast, not your baby, to dangle while feeding. It’s not the most comfortable or conventional position but it’s helpful for if you have mastitis or blocked ducts.

How to use the dangle feeding position

Place your baby lying on their back on a safe surface. The floor is ideal but you could use the centre of your bed. Position yourself on all fours allowing your breast to dangle over your baby’s mouth. You can also try this position lying on your side and letting your top breast dangle over your baby.

This position is ideal for:

Clearing blockages and relieving discomfort associated with mastitis.

Inverted side-lying

This can be another comfortable position as you are lying down when feeding. As you baby gets older it can be tricky to have enough room to use this position. When using this position make sure you have a safe sleeping surface for your baby.

How to use the inverted side-lying position

Lie on your side without a pillow under your head, so you are resting on your arm. Place your baby facing you but with their legs towards your head and their mouth at nipple level. You will have a free arm to support your baby.

This position is ideal for:

Older babies who like to move around a lot – baby gymnastics! Or when you want to try something different.

Exploring different breastfeeding positions can enhance your comfort and bonding experience with your baby. Don’t hesitate to try various holds to find what works best for both you and your little one.

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