Breastfeeding positions: Tips and tricks

5 min. read time

Whether you’re a new parent, or you have been through the joys (and stresses) of parenthood before, breastfeeding can be a tricky feat that can come quickly to some but take a bit longer for others. In this guide we’ll explore popular ways to breastfeed, different breastfeeding positions, as well as tips for latching. Breastfeeding will soon be second nature to both you and your baby.

Nursing positions for newborns: best breastfeeding positions

Everyone’s breastfeeding journey will be different, and you will need to find a technique that works for both of you. Therefore, be prepared for some trial and error – you and your baby are not expected to have it all figured out right away.

Let’s break down some of the best breastfeeding positions you could try:

Cradle hold. This is one of the most traditional ways to breastfeed and is quite popular among new mothers.

A mother breastfeeds a baby in the cradle hold position.

Begin sitting upright in a comfortable chair or couch.
Face your baby towards you lying down, tummy to tummy.
Rest your baby’s head on your forearm and bring their nose towards your nipple, allowing them to latch.

While this particular method is quite popular, it may be uncomfortable if you have had a caesarean (or c-section).

Cross cradle hold. This is a variation of the traditional cradle hold.

A mother breastfeeds a baby in the cross cradle hold position.

Sitting upright, hold your baby with your arm opposite to the breast you’re feeding from.
Support your breast and baby’s head with your closest arm.

Side lying. This is one of the most popular nursing positions for newborns for the comfort it offers.

A mother breastfeeds a baby in the side lying hold position.

Laying on your side, position your baby a little below your breast, tummy to tummy so that they can latch on.
Support your neck and back with a pillow.
Use your free hand or a blanket to support your baby.

This position may be preferable if you have had a caesarean or need to breastfeed during the night.

Football hold. This is also known as a ‘rugby hold’.

A mother breastfeeds a baby in the football hold position.

Hold your baby at your side, so that their hip is touching yours.
Support the back of their head with your arm or a pillow.
Bring your baby’s nose to be level with your nipple, allowing them to latch on.

This technique is great for those who have had caesareans, as it does not put pressure on the lower stomach. What’s more, if you have had twins and are skilled enough, you can feed two babies at once!

Evidently, there are lots of different breastfeeding positions for newborns that you can experiment with to see which you most prefer. Our bodies all work in different ways, and there may be certain positions that provide more comfort than others. Whichever position you choose, an essential step to breastfeeding is getting your baby to latch. Understanding how to do that will be the first step towards a successful feed.

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Latching and breastfeeding: latching tips

A good breastfeeding latch is essential to good breastfeeding and refers to when your baby has clasped onto your breast – while a good latch will allow them to feed from the milk in your breast, as well as reduce any nipple discomfort, having a poor latch can disrupt milk flow, and lead to painful, cracked nipples.

Let’s go through some helpful tips for the best way to breastfeed which can ensure you achieve a good latch:

Ensure you and your baby are comfortable. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be uncomfortable and can even be quite relaxing for some mothers. Sitting in an awkward chair or stiff couch will only make it an uncomfortable task. So, when you’re preparing to breastfeed, make sure to find a cozy place to sit or lay. As for your baby, providing adequate support to their head, shoulders, and back will help them tilt their head back and latch more easily.
Let them latch themselves. Avoid forcing your baby’s mouth to your breast. Instead, allow their head to tilt back a little and bring their nose level to your nipple. This will allow your baby to open their mouth, ready for latching. Your baby’s mouth needs to be open wide enough for their chin to be touching (or close enough to) your breast. You can brush your nipple across your baby’s lips, which will help them open their mouth even wider.
Look for signs. There will be certain signs you can look out for if you are unsure that your newborn is feeding properly. When they have latched correctly and have begun to feed, the cheeks will begin to look full and round, and you should be able to notice movement of their jaw. You should also be able to see more of your nipple skin above your baby’s mouth than below it. If you begin to experience any pain or discomfort, it may suggest that your baby has not latched correctly.

Choosing newborn feeding positions that provide comfort for you and your baby will increase the likelihood of getting a good latch. But if you’re still having trouble with breastfeeding, it may also help to:

Move to a quieter place. Sitting in a quiet room, preferably in a place you feel most comfortable, may help you and your baby relax, which in turn could allow for a better latch.
Try some skin-to-skin contact. After undressing yourself and your baby, rest your baby on your chest. Skin-to-skin contact is not only great for developing a strong bond with your baby but has also been found to boost milk production and stimulate your baby’s feeding instincts.¹
Use a breast pump. Manual breast pumps like the Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump are great for moms on the go who may find pumping easier than breastfeeding while out and about or who are not in an environment where they feel comfortable breastfeeding. With a soft adapting silicone cushion, it provides a comfortable and simple alternative to breastfeeding. You may also find pumping breastmilk helpful when looking for ways to relieve engorged breasts.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way for new mothers to bond with their newborns. However, feeding shouldn't be a solo journey. By sharing feeding sessions, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, both parents can connect with the baby, providing essential bonding time and giving the primary caregiver valuable time to rest and recharge. This approach supports a balanced and nurturing environment, where the focus is on ensuring the baby is fed and cared for, while both parents share in the experience. Learn how to Share the Care with Philips’ baby care essentials.

Have a go at attempting some of the newborn feeding positions we have discussed, and you’ll become a breastfeeding pro in no time!