Finding a breastfeeding position that feels good for both you and your baby can make all the difference to your comfort, baby’s latch, and your overall feeding experience. There's no single "correct" position; the best one is whatever works for you both.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or just trying to find a new way to feed comfortably, this guide walks you through the most popular breastfeeding positions, when to use them, and how to get a good latch in any hold.
Why Position Matters
The way you hold your baby during feeds can affect:
- Latch quality
- Comfort for both of you
- How efficiently baby takes your milk
- Prevention of nipple soreness or blocked ducts
A deep, comfortable latch is more straightforward to achieve when your baby is well-positioned and supported.
Signs of a Good Position
No matter which hold you choose, aim for these key signs:
- Baby’s head, neck, and body are in a straight line
- Baby’s tummy is facing your body
- Their nose is in line with your nipple
- You’re relaxed, not hunched or twisted
- You’re not in pain while feeding
1. The Cradle Hold
Best for: Most full-term babies after the first few days
How to do it:
- Sit upright in a chair with arm support
- Hold your baby across your body, with their head resting in the crook of your arm
- Support their bottom with your forearm and guide them toward the breast
Tip: Use a breastfeeding pillow under baby or your arms for added support.
2. The Cross-Cradle Hold
Best for: Newborns, learning to latch, or babies who need extra head support
How to do it:
- Sit upright and hold baby across your body
- Use the opposite hand from the breast you’re feeding on to support baby’s neck and head
- Your other hand supports the breast
This gives you more control over baby’s positioning, great for early days or small babies.
3. The Rugby (Football) Hold
Best for: C-section recovery, twins, large breasts, or small/premature babies and babies with a tongue tie
How to do it:
- Sit with a pillow at your side
- Position baby tucked under your arm, legs pointing behind you
- Support their head with your hand and bring them to the breast
Keeps baby off your tummy post-birth and helps guide a good latch.
4. The Side-Lying Position
Best for: Night feeds, recovery from birth, or when you need to rest
How to do it:
- Lie on your side with baby facing you
- Support baby’s back with your forearm
- Pull baby close so their nose is in line with your nipple
Important: Make sure baby can’t roll and there are no loose pillows or covers.
5. The Laid-Back Position (Biological Nurturing)
Best for: Encouraging natural latch reflexes, skin-to-skin contact, and bonding; great if you have a fast let-down
How to do it:
- Recline comfortably on a bed or chair
- Lie baby tummy-down on your chest
- Let baby lead, support them as they nuzzle and find the nipple
Often instinctual for newborns and soothing for unsettled babies.
6. Koala Hold (Upright Feeding)
Best for: Babies with reflux, older babies, or babies with latching challenges
How to do it:
- Sit baby upright on your lap, facing your breast
- Support their head and neck as they latch
- Baby’s spine remains straight while feeding
Can reduce reflux and is especially helpful for babies with tongue-tie.
How to Switch Positions Safely
- Always bring baby to the breast, not breast to baby
- Support baby’s neck and shoulders when changing sides
- Take time to re-latch carefully in a new position
- Mix it up - different positions help drain different parts of the breast
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Try a laid-back or side-lying position for night-time recovery
- If baby’s latch is painful, try cross-cradle for more control
- If you had a c-section, the rugby hold avoids pressure on your tummy
- Mix it up - different positions can help drain different parts of the breast
- Trust your instincts - there’s no right or wrong, just what works
- Get in touch with your midwife, health visitor, or lactation consultant if:
- Baby is struggling to latch in any position
- You're experiencing long term nipple pain, cracks, or soreness
- Feeds are very long or very short and baby isn’t gaining weight
- You’re uncomfortable or in pain while feeding
There’s no single “best” breastfeeding position, only what works best for you and your baby. Some days you’ll favour a certain hold, other times your baby may guide the way.
