Breastfeeding positions decoded: What works best for you and your baby?

In the early weeks, breastfeeding is more than just nutrition. It’s a quiet language of love, comfort, and connection. Each time your baby latches, your world slows—you notice their face, their breathing, the way tiny fingers curl against your skin.

Yet many new moms face a familiar challenge: discomfort during feeding. As La Leche League International puts it, “With proper positioning and latch-on techniques, you can expect little or no nipple soreness,” highlighting how crucial these early adjustments are for a more comfortable experience.

In this guide, you’ll explore the most common breastfeeding positions like the cradle hold, cross-cradle, football hold, laid-back nursing, and side-lying and discover practical tips to ease strain, improve latch, and find what works best for your daily rhythm.

Also, this blog features expert insights from Dr. David Ghozland, an OB-GYN and owner of David Ghozland MD, whose practice specializes in women’s health, cosmetic gynecology and regenerative medicine and Jennifer Bergman, IBCLC, CD, PMH-C, PMADs Program Assistant & Instructor at Aeroflow Breastpumps.

1. Cradle hold breastfeeding position

The cradle hold is a classic for a reason. It’s often the first position parents try, especially as their baby starts to gain head and neck strength. 

Your baby lies across your front, supported by the arm on the same side as the feeding breast. It creates closeness and eye contact, which many moms find comforting and grounding.

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably in a chair or bed with extra support behind your back and beneath your arms.
   
2. Hold your baby across your tummy, so you’re belly to belly.
   
3. Rest their head in the crook of your arm on the feeding side.
   
4. Use your forearm to support their back, and your hand to gently hold their bottom or thighs.
   
5. Make sure your baby’s nose is opposite your nipple, and their ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.
   
6. Tuck their lower arm around your waist or under your arm so it doesn’t get in the way.
   

If you’ve had a C-section, you may find this position puts pressure on your abdomen. In that case, try side-lying or football hold for more comfort.

2. Cross-cradle hold breastfeeding position

It’s a daytime feed, and your baby has just woken from a nap. You’re both alert, and you want a little more control over their latch. 

The cross-cradle hold is perfect when you’re still mastering the latch. It’s especially helpful for newborns or smaller babies who need more guidance. 

The main difference? You use the opposite arm to the breast you’re feeding from to support your baby, giving your feeding-side hand more freedom.

How to do it:

1. Sit upright with a cushion behind you and a pillow on your lap.
   
2. Hold your baby so you’re belly to belly, their nose aligned with your nipple.
   
3. Use the arm opposite to the breast to support your baby’s head, neck, and body.
   
4. Your other hand supports your breast, helping you guide the nipple into their mouth.
   
5. Keep your baby close, their head free to tilt back slightly. Their body should feel stable and snug along your forearm.
   

Many lactation consultants recommend this hold in the early days because it gives you a great view of the latch and keeps your hands more involved.

3. Football hold breastfeeding position

The football hold (or clutch hold) keeps your baby tucked beside you, like holding a handbag or rugby ball. 

It gives you a clear view of the latch and helps avoid pressure on your tummy, making it a favorite for moms with C-sections, twins, or larger breasts.

How to do it:

1. Sit in a supportive chair or bed with a firm pillow along your side.
   
2. Position your baby under your arm, their body along your forearm, facing your breast.
   
3. Use your hand to support their neck and upper back, allowing their head to tilt back slightly.
   
4. Their feet should point toward your back, not across your lap.
   
5. Keep their tummy turned in toward your side, close enough to avoid twisting.
   

This hold is also great if you’re tandem feeding or just want more control during those early, fussy feeds.

4. Side-lying breastfeeding position

It’s the middle of the night. The world is quiet. You’re both half-asleep, and getting out of bed feels impossible. 

You lie down beside your baby, bodies close, the soft rhythm of breathing in sync. This is feeding, but it’s also rest, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

It’s relaxed, hands-free, and great for keeping skin-to-skin contact.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your side with your head and back supported by pillows.
   
2. Place your baby next to you, tummy to tummy, with their head level with your breast.
   
3. Their nose should line up with your nipple, and their mouth should open wide for a deep latch.
   
4. Use your lower arm to cradle them or keep it under your pillow-whatever feels natural.
   
5. A rolled towel or blanket behind their back can add gentle support.
   

This position can take practice at first but quickly becomes a favorite for overnight feeds or when you need to stay lying flat.

5. Breastfeeding prone or laid-back position (Biological nurturing)

You’ve both just come through birth. You’re skin-to-skin, relaxed, and your baby begins to root, almost instinctively. 

The laid-back or reclined position uses gravity and instinct. It allows your baby to lead the way with minimal guidance from you. It’s especially great for first feeds, skin-to-skin bonding, and easing into a more natural latch.

How to do it:

1. Recline comfortably in a semi-upright position; not lying flat, but supported.
   
2. Place your baby on your chest, tummy down, head near your breast.
   
3. Let them root, bob, and latch in their own time, using their reflexes.
   
4. You can guide gently if needed but avoid forcing the latch.
   
5. Use pillows behind your neck and under your arms for extra comfort.
   

This is an instinctive position which is less structured and more relaxed. It often leads to deep, natural latches with minimal effort.

Signs your newborn is in the wrong breastfeeding position 

In those early days, breastfeeding can feel like a puzzle. You’ve just met this tiny human, and suddenly, you’re expected to feed them around the clock. 

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And more often than not, it’s the position that needs a tweak, not you.

Here’s how to spot when a lactating position isn’t working, especially for newborns:

1. Baby’s body isn’t facing you (not tummy to tummy)

One of the most common issues is when your baby’s head is turned toward the breast, but their body is facing outward or twisted. This makes it hard for them to swallow comfortably.

How to fix it? 

NHS recommends, always bring your baby’s entire body not just the head toward you. The phrase “tummy to tummy” is your golden rule.

2. Baby’s chin is tucked or head is pushed inward

If your baby’s chin is pressed into their chest or if you’re holding the back of their head tightly, it can prevent a deep latch.

How to fix it? 

Support your baby’s neck and shoulders instead of the back of the head. Their head should tilt slightly back, like they’re sipping from a cup, not bending forward.

3. Your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip aren’t in line

If your baby is curled or twisted, swallowing becomes harder. A crooked body can also lead to shallow latching or fussiness.

How to fix it? 

As the American Academy of Pediatrics puts it, check alignment. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line. This helps with comfort and efficient milk transfer.

4. You’re leaning forward, not bringing baby to you

Hunching over to reach your baby can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain and your baby might still struggle to latch.

How to fix it? 

Use pillows, rolled blankets, or a nursing cushion to bring your baby up to breast level. Keep your back supported and shoulders relaxed.

5. Baby’s mouth is only on the nipple (not a deep latch)

If your baby is sucking only on the tip of the nipple, it’s painful for you and inefficient for them. This often happens when the angle or positioning is off.

How to fix it? 

Ensure the baby’s mouth is wide open, with lips flanged out and most of the areola in their mouth. Their chin should touch your breast, and their nose should be free.

6. Your baby keeps coming off the breast or seems frustrated

If your newborn is popping off repeatedly, squirming, or crying during feeds, it’s often due to poor alignment or positioning. It’s not always low milk supply.

How to fix it? 

NHS suggests, pause, reposition, and try a different hold. Sometimes even switching sides or reclining slightly can make a big difference.

Reaching out for expert help

While most breastfeeding challenges can be improved with simple adjustments to positioning, there are times when you should seek expert help. Reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Severe nipple pain or cracks that don’t improve after correcting your baby’s latch.
  
• Bleeding, swelling, or white spots on the nipples or areola.
  
• Signs of mastitis such as fever, chills, breast redness, or a hard, painful lump.
  
• Persistent engorgement that makes latching difficult even after feeding or pumping.
  
• Sharp, burning breast pain during or between feeds.
  
• Baby not gaining weight or having fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after the first week.
  
• Frequent coughing, choking, or gagging during feeds despite trying different breastfeeding positions to prevent choking.
  

Early support ensures breastfeeding remains a positive, pain-free experience for both you and your baby.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to hold your baby across your chest, under your arm, or by your side in bed, the key is comfort for both of you. Don’t be afraid to try different positions throughout the day. 

Some moms prefer cradle hold during the day, football hold for afternoon cluster feeds, and side-lying during the night.

If something feels off like pain, shallow latch, or stress during feeds, remember: you’re not alone. A certified lactation consultant can offer hands-on support, check the latch, and help you find what works best for your body and your baby’s needs.

This journey is full of trial and tenderness. You are learning from each other, feed by feed, hold by hold.

Sources

• Breastfeeding positions: UNICEF Parenting. Breastfeeding positions
• Breastfeeding positions: Start for Life (NHS). Breastfeeding positions
• Breastfeeding positions: Pictures. Raising Children Network. Breastfeeding positions: pictures
• Is my baby latched on well?: La Leche League International. Positioning 

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