Top 4 positions for breastfeeding for mom and baby

It takes up much of your time as a new mom, including when you’re tired at night, so finding the best position for breastfeeding that is comfy and works well for both you and your baby is crucial.

Take time to try these four breastfeeding positions, and if possible move between them, as each puts pressure on a different part of your breast and nipple, and you’re less likely to get sore nipples or clogged milk ducts.

1. The cradle hold

Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests and a footstool, so you don’t lean over your baby. Hold her across the front of your body facing you, supporting her head in the crook of the arm below the breast you’re feeding from, and supporting her body with your forearm and her bottom with your hand. Use your other hand to support your breast from below, and guide her head to your breast by cradling her close. Try putting a pillow on your lap for extra support.

Good if… Baby was full-term and is about a month old, so she has stronger neck muscles and can latch easily, and if you had a vaginal delivery. “This way of latching is for the more experienced mom or older baby,” says registered nurse and midwife Des Meyer of Small Beginnings baby clinic in Durban. “If you had a Caesarean section, it may put too much pressure on your abdomen.”

2. The cross cradle

Sit as for the cradle, but hold your baby with the arm opposite the nursing breast, supporting her head with your hand. Use the other hand to support your breast.

Good if… You’re just starting to breastfeed. You can easily guide baby to latch, and your bodies are close, tummy to tummy – it’s reassuring for baby when she’s used to the confines of a womb. “This is the best position for a new mom and baby,” says Meyer.

3. The football hold

Sit comfortably and lie baby at your side, tucking her under the arm on the side of the nursing breast, like a football or sling-bag, supporting her head with your hand. Position her so she’s facing you, mouth level with your nipple (try a pillow to raise her). Use your other hand to support your nursing breast.

Good if… You had a Caesarean section, as baby doesn’t rest on your tummy, and if baby is big and heavy. It’s also good if baby is newborn and battles to latch, as you can guide her head easily. Good too if you have big breasts or flat nipples, or have twins. “You can feed both at once, one under each arm,” says Meyer.

4. The side-lying hold

Lie on the side of the nursing breast, using pillows to support your back. Lie your baby on her side facing you, chest to chest. Use your other arm and hand to support her body and head, and guide her to your breast.

Good if… You’re feeding at night and are tired and already in bed. It works best once baby can already latch well, so first get that right using the cross cradle hold. “If you have very small breasts, you can lie baby on a pillow and feed from the top breast,” says Meyer.

Additional breastfeeding tips

Use pillows to support your body and your baby’s.
Support your nursing breast with a C-hold (four fingers below the breast and your thumb on top). “A V-hold (splaying your index and middle fingers) can be problematic,” says Meyer.

Relax before nursing: Once in position, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and think calming thoughts to help your milk let-down reflex.

Keep a glass of water handy to stay well hydrated.

To change breasts or holds, or to end a feed, slip a fingertip gently into the corner of baby’s mouth to break the suction. “Else gently press her chin down so the latch is released,” says Meyer.

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