Different breastfeeding positions

Cradle hold

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To breastfeed baby in a cradle hold position, do the following:

• Position the baby so his head rests in the bend of the elbow of the arm on
the side will be breastfeeding, with the hand on that side supporting the rest
of the body.
• Cup the breast with your other hand, placing your thumb above the nipple
and areola at the spot where the baby’s nose will touch the breast.
• the index finger should be at the spot where the baby’s chin will make
contact with the breast. Lightly compress the breast so that the nipple
points slightly toward the baby's nose. Baby’s now ready to latch.

Crossover hold

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To breastfeed baby in a crossover hold position, do the following:

 • Hold your baby's head with the hand opposite to the breast will be nursing
from (i.e. if nursing from the right breast, hold the head with your left hand).
• Rest the wrist between the baby’s shoulder blades, thumb behind one
ear, other fingers behind the other ear.
• Using free hand, cup breast as you would for the cradle hold.

Football hold

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Also known as the clutch hold, the football hold position is especially useful if you
have:

• Had a C-section and want to avoid placing your baby against your
abdomen
• Large breasts
• A small or premature baby
• Twins

To breastfeed baby in a football hold position, do the following:

• Position the baby at your side, facing mother, with baby's legs are tucked
under mothers arm (yes, like a football) on the same side as the breast will
be nursing from.
• Support the baby’s head with the same hand, and use the other hand to
cup the breast as you would for the cradle hold.
Laid-back position (“biological nursing”)

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A laid-back nursing position can be particularly helpful for moms who have
smaller breasts, for newborns and for babies with super sensitive tummies or
excess gas.

To breastfeed baby in a laid-back position, do the following:

• Lean back on a bed or couch, well supported by pillows in a semi-reclining

position, so that when mother will put the baby tummy-to-tummy onto the
body, head near the breast, gravity will keep him molded to you.
• The baby can rest in any direction, as long as the whole front of the body is
against yours and he can reach your breast.
• The infant can naturally latch on in this position, or you can help by
directing the nipple toward the little one's mouth.
• Once baby is set up at to breast, don’t have to do much besides lie back
and relax.

Side-lying position

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This position is a good choice when you’re breastfeeding in the middle of the
night.

To breastfeed baby in a side-lying position, do the following:

• Both you and your baby should lie on your sides, tummy to tummy.
• Use your hand on the side you’re not lying on to cup your breast if you
need to.
• When using this position, there should be no excess bedding around the
infant that could pose a suffocation hazard. This position shouldn’t be used
on a recliner, couch or water bed for that same reason.

How to get a proper latch

Now that baby’s in position, it's important that your baby is latched on properly.
Improper latching is the most common cause of breast discomfort, especially sore
nipples. Latch your newborn onto your breast using the following tips:

Gently tickle baby’s lip with your nipple

This should open your baby’s mouth very wide, like a yawn. Some lactation
consultants suggest aiming your nipple toward your baby’s nose and then
directing it down to the upper lip to open the mouth wide. This prevents the lower
lip from getting tucked in during nursing. If your baby turns away, gently stroke
the cheek on the side nearest you. The rooting reflex will make baby turn back
toward your breast.

Bring your baby toward your breast

Don't move your breast toward the mouth or stuff your nipple into an unwilling
mouth — instead let your baby take the initiative. It might take a couple of
attempts before your baby opens his or her mouth wide enough to latch on
properly.

Be sure baby's mouth covers both the nipple and at least part of the areola

Sucking just the nipple won’t compress the milk glands and can cause soreness
and cracking. But in the right spot, the action of the mouth, tongue and lips will
massage the milk out of the milk glands.

Check to see if your breast is blocking your baby’s nose

Once your little one is properly latched on, you can lightly depress the breast with
your finger to move it away from baby’s nose. Elevating baby slightly may also
provide a little breathing room. But as you maneuver, be sure not to loosen
baby’s grip on the areola.