Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Breastfeeding in a proper position will help your baby latch on and breastfeed correctly and make your experience more enjoyable. Also, when you are in a comfortable and relaxed position, let-down happens more easily. There are several breastfeeding positions. You are more likely to drain all areas of your breast by changing breastfeeding positions often. This helps to prevent blocked milk ducts. If you had a cesarean delivery, you may find some positions more comfortable than others. In any position: In the cradle hold (traditional), you sit up with your back supported. One arm supports your baby, with your baby's head in the bend of your elbow and your open hand supporting the baby's bottom or back. Your baby's belly lies against yours. Use your other hand to support your breast and guide it into your baby's mouth for a proper latch. In the cross-cradle hold, your baby's abdomen lies against yours. One hand is low on the baby's head to give control as you bring your baby to the breast to latch. The other hand (on the same side as the breast being used) supports the breast and narrows it to help the baby form a good, deep latch onto the areola. In the football hold, you sit on a bed or sofa. Your baby is tucked under your arm and lying along the side you will be feeding on. You can use pillows to help support the baby and your arms. The baby's head is in your hand (on the same side as the breast being used), and the baby's upper body is supported by your arm. With that hand you can control the baby's head to bring the baby's mouth in quickly for a good latch. Your other hand reaches across to support and narrow your breast. In the side-lying position, you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. You can place pillows behind the baby's back for support. Your baby's mouth should be close to your nipple. The hand on your top side supports your lower breast and guides it into your infant's mouth. After the baby has latched on, you can use this arm to cuddle your baby into you closely. In the Australian hold, your baby is held vertically and straddles your thigh, facing you. Your knee supports your baby's bottom, while one hand is low on the baby's head to give control as you bring your baby to the breast to latch. The other hand (on the side opposite from the breast being used) supports and narrows the breast to help the baby form a good, deep latch on the areola. Current as of: April 30, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Breastfeeding Positions
Overview
Cradle hold
Cross-cradle hold
Football hold
Side-lying position
Australian hold
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slide 1 of 5, Cradle hold,
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slide 2 of 5, Cross-cradle hold,
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slide 3 of 5, Football hold,
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slide 4 of 5, Side-lying position,
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slide 5 of 5, Australian hold,