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Written by

Gina Conley, MS

Breastfeeding Positions: 5 Helpful Holds for You and Baby

  • Breastfeeding, Postpartum

Table of Contents

Breastfeeding Positions

There are so many options on how we choose to feed our babies.  If you choose breastfeeding, this blog post will be breaking down a few common breastfeeding positions to help you better understand which techniques may be beneficial for you!

Initial Latch Position: Cross Cradle

The cross cradle position is one of my favorites to use as an initial latch position.  With the cross cradle, you will reach across with the opposite arm as the breast you are nursing from, to cradle the back of baby’s neck and head.  This will allow you to support their head and neck, and guide them onto the nipple.

With your same side hand, you can guide your nipple into baby’s mouth.  

In this position, it is easiest to see as you navigate baby onto the breast for a better latch!  

After baby has latched, you can transition to another position.

C-Section Support Positions: Football Hold and Side Lying

After a c-section, baby laying on your incision site may not be the most comfortable.  The football hold can be a way to nurse baby without them lying across your scar.

In the football hold, baby’s body is aligned with your side body.  You will be able to see their nose and upper lip most easily, so this can also be a great initial latch position!

Place pillows behind your back so that baby has room to place their legs.  And this position can also support you in a more upright position, which may be more comfortable after a c-section.

The football hold is also great if you have large breasts or if baby has some restrictions that make them turning their head toward one direction difficult.  Doing the cradle hold on one side, then the football on the other can help them while you navigate their tension release.

Another position that keeps baby off of your incision site is the side-lying breastfeeding position!

In the side lying, you will c-curve around baby with them lying on their side next to you.  This position is really comfortable too!

It may be helpful to have someone hand baby to you after you get into the position since moving around can be uncomfortable or painful post-section.

Programs that can help

Education

C-Section Scar Mobilization: Your Guide to Recovery

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Fitness

After C-Section Recovery Workout Plan

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Strong Let Down Breastfeeding Positions: Reclined and Side-Lying

If you have a strong let down, where the initial flow of milk comes out pretty fast and can cause a newborn to gag or even anger them, then these positions could be helpful!

In the reclined position, you are laying back so gravity can slow the flow of the initial let down.

This breastfeeding position is also great for managing upper back or neck pain since it is so much more supportive!

The side-lying breastfeeding position, as previously discussed, is a great position for strong letdowns since baby can pull off more easily and milk can dribble off to the side.

Popular Position: The Cradle

The cradle position is one of the most common positions!  You use the same side arm as the breast you are nursing from to hold baby.  Their head tends to rest on the crook of your elbow.

You can place a bunch of pillows under your arm to support the arm.  This will help with any shoulder or neck pain!

You can transition to this position after a cross-cradle for the initial latch.

Finding a breastfeeding position that works best for you and your baby can fluctuate each day as you both learn how to navigate this journey together!

If you are having issues with a latch, or difficulty with breastfeeding and you want to continue to breastfeed, working with a lactation consultant could be incredibly helpful!

Learn more about newborn care and the initial breastfeeding journey in our upcoming webinar!

Programs that can help

Fitness

Postpartum - Return to Running

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Beyond Postpartum Strength Training

Traditional strength training for months and years after birth.

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Train for a Marathon After Baby—with Confidence and Strength

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest position to breastfeed in?
It depends on the moment! For the initial latch, the cross cradle is often easiest because you can see baby clearly as you guide them onto the nipple, then transition to the cradle — the most common everyday hold. If you're recovering from a c-section or dealing with a strong let down, the side-lying position may be the most comfortable option since baby stays off your incision and can pull off easily.
What is the incorrect position for breastfeeding?
There isn't one universally "incorrect" position — what matters most is the latch. Nipple damage usually comes from a poor latch, baby's body tension, or oral restrictions rather than the hold itself. If nursing is painful or damage is getting worse with each feeding, that's the signal to adjust — our tips for breastfeeding a newborn walk through supporting a deeper latch, and working with a lactation consultant is recommended.
What are the red flags for breastfeeding?
Watch for baby seeming fussy or hungry again shortly after most feedings, a low diaper count, a misshapen nipple or nipple damage after feeds, and slow weight gain. Our guide to knowing baby is drinking enough breastmilk breaks down the five signs to track — and if these red flags keep showing up, seeking out a lactation consultant can make a big difference.