Breastfeeding positions

There is no "one" right way to breastfeed. Choose the position(s) that work best for you and your baby.

Regardless of the position that you use, it is important to keep your baby's head, shoulders and hips in a straight line. The correct positioning is tummy-to-tummy and nose-to-nipple.

It is also important to bring your baby to your breast rather than your breast to your baby. This will prevent you from getting a sore back from leaning over.

Here are some positions you can try:

Laid-back hold

Lie on your back, supported by pillows.
Position your baby so they are tummy-to-tummy on your stomach. Gently guide your baby to your breast while supporting their bottom with your hand.

Cross-cradle hold

Position your baby so they are tummy-to-tummy and lying across your lap.
Support your baby's back with your forearm and gently cup the base of their head in your hand.
Hold your breast with your free hand until your baby has latched on to your nipple. You may need to hold your breast for the entire feeding.
When your baby starts to nurse, you may want to switch your arms to the cradle hold position if your baby can maintain an effective latch.

Football hold

Place a pillow or two at your side to support your arm and raise your baby to breast level.
Support your baby's back with your forearm and gently cup the base of their head and neck with your hand. Use your forearm to hold your baby's tummy against your side.
Hold your breast with your free hand.

Lying-down hold

Lie on your side with pillows supporting your back. Bend the knee of your top leg so that you are comfortably turned on your side.
Place your baby on their side, facing you. Your baby should be close to you with their face at breast level.
Support your baby’s back with your forearm and gently cup the base of their head and neck with your hand. Use your forearm to hold your baby’s tummy against your stomach.

Cradle hold

This works best for babies who are latching well.

Place a pillow or two in your lap to support your baby and get your baby to breast level.
Place your baby's head on the crook of your arm.
Keep your elbow close to your body to help your baby keep their chin up.
Turn your baby's tummy and hips to face yours. Don't have your baby rest on their back and just turn their head.