Best Breast/Chest-feeding Positions

February 1, 2023 Women
There is no right or wrong breast/chest-feeding position. However, there may be positions that are right or wrong for you and your baby. The best position is one that helps you get a good latch. A good latch should be comfortable for mom and allow baby to suck and nurse well.
Use The Following Tips for All Breast/Chest-feeding Positions:
GET COMFORTABLE
Find a relaxed position that you can stay in for a while. Use pillows to support your back and arms and to bring baby up to reach your breast/chest.

Support your legs by using a footstool, coffee table or a few books.

GET BABY CLOSE TO YOU
You may need help to position your baby and to help you place pillows for support, especially if you have had a C-section.
WHEN YOUR BABY IS POSITIONED CORRECTLY:
  • Their head and chin should be facing the breast/chest.
  • Their mouth should be opened wide.
  • Their tongue should be over their lower gum, between their lower lip and your breast/chest.
  • Their nose and cheeks may gently touch the breast/chest.
  • Their chin should press firmly into the breast/chest.
  • Your nipple should be at the back of their mouth.

If it hurts to latch baby on, gently remove your baby from the breast/chest and TRY AGAIN.

Breast/Chest-feeding Holds

FOOTBALL HOLD

This position is also called the underarm hold or clutch hold. It is a common position used for newborns and is usually used only until a baby is latching on well. For this position, baby is supported by a pillow and tucked in on the same side that you are nursing on. With the baby facing you, place their body under your arm and cradle their head with your hand. Baby should be at breast/chest height.

Use your free hand to support your breast.

  • Have just had a c-section
  • Have fast let down reflexes (forceful let down)
  • Have premature or small babies
  • Have large breasts
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

This position is for newborns and is used only until your baby has learned to latch on correctly. It was developed to give additional support to “wobbly headed” newborns and allows mom complete control during feeding. In this position, the mother feeding her baby on the left breast would use her left hand to support her breast, and her right arm and hand to support the baby. Your baby is supported on a pillow across your lap to help raise them to your nipple level.

This is a great position for moms who:

  • Have problems with latch
    (latching on problems)
  • Have inverted nipples
  • Have premature or small babies
  • Have large breasts

CRADLE HOLD

The cradle position is sometimes not used until after the first few weeks of breast/chest-feeding is complete. This is because a 2 to 4 week old baby is better able to aim and control their head and neck, allowing them to latch on easier. In this position, baby lies on their side, tummy against mom’s tummy, supported by her left arm while they nurse on the left breast. The mother may put her right hand under baby’s bottom, or use it to support or adjust their head. The baby’s head needs to be able to tip back so they can open their mouth wide. You will need to bring the baby up to the breast/chest from underneath.

This is a great position for moms who:

  • Have full term babies
  • Have older babies

SIDE-LYING POSITION

This position is for newborns and older babies. It’s the easiest position for many moms. It’s also a favorite because it allows mom to rest during feeding. With mom lying on her side and baby lying on their side facing her, she can position one hand behind baby’s back and bottom to bring them in close.

The baby’s nose needs to be at nipple level so that as mom draws the baby to her by exerting pressure on their back, baby tips their head back as they latch on. Use pillows behind your back and behind or between your knees to get comfortable.

This is a great position for moms who:

  • Have just had a c-section
  • Have fast let down reflexes
    (forceful let down)
  • Have premature or small babies
  • Have large breasts
With time, patience, and practice, you and your baby can find a comfortable position that works best for the two of you. If you have questions or concerns about feeding your baby, contact WIC – they are there to help and support you!