Breastfeeding positions

Finding a good breastfeeding position can take a little time and practice.

For successful breastfeeding, the position should be comfortable and pain-free.

Your breastfeeding position may change over time as your baby grows. There are several different breastfeeding positions that you can try.

Baby's position

• Your baby's mouth faces your breast, and baby's tummy faces your tummy. Avoid having your baby on their back.
• Your baby's ear, shoulder and hip need to be in a straight line.
• Support your baby with 1 arm and use your other hand to support your breast.

Positions to try

Below your breast

Across your body

• Lean back and get comfortable with good arm and body support.
• Place baby tummy down on your body.
• Baby lies on your chest at an angle.
• Gravity keeps baby close to you.

Cross cradle hold
Works well for young babies, when you first learning how to breastfeed.

Football hold
Works well for small babies, for women with large breasts or after a caesarean birth.

Cradle hold
Most familiar position but it is best used when you are more experienced with breastfeeding.

Side-lying hold
Takes practice but can be a comfortable position for you and your baby.

Source: Reprinted with permission by Nancy Mohrbacher (Illustrations by Allan Moon)