Nursing Positions

The best breastfeeding position is the one that feels most comfortable for you and your baby. When both of you can relax, it positively affects milk production, latch quality, and the overall nursing experience.

Choosing the Right Position

Different positions work better in different situations:

• After cesarean delivery: Side-lying or positions that keep baby off your abdomen
• For a sleepy baby: Reclined positions that allow gravity to help
• For fast letdown: Reclined positions where baby is on top
• For nursing twins: Football hold or dedicated twin positions
• For older babies: Seated or standing positions as they become more mobile

Common Nursing Positions

Reclined (Laid-Back) Position

This relaxed position works well for many mothers and babies, especially in the early weeks.

How to do it:

1. Recline comfortably at a 45-degree angle (or whatever feels good)
2. Place baby tummy-down on your chest
3. Let baby find the breast naturally
4. Support as needed, but allow baby to use natural feeding instincts

Benefits:

• Uses gravity to help baby stay latched
• Comfortable for mother's back and arms
• Helpful for babies who struggle with fast milk flow
• Encourages baby's natural feeding reflexes

Side-Lying Position

Ideal for night feeds or when you need to rest.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your head
2. Position baby on their side, facing you
3. Align baby's nose with your nipple
4. Use your lower arm to support baby or tuck it under your head

Benefits:

• Allows mother to rest during feeds
• Good option after cesarean delivery
• Comfortable for long feeding sessions

Cradle Hold (Classic)

The traditional position many people picture when thinking of breastfeeding.

How to do it:

1. Sit upright with good back support
2. Cradle baby in the arm on the same side as the nursing breast
3. Baby's head rests in the crook of your elbow
4. Support baby's body along your forearm

Benefits:

• Works well once breastfeeding is established
• Easy to do anywhere
• Good for older babies who can support their own heads

Cross-Cradle Hold (Modified Cradle)

Similar to the cradle hold but offers more control, making it helpful for newborns.

How to do it:

1. Sit upright with good back support
2. Hold baby with the arm opposite to the nursing breast
3. Support baby's head with your hand at the base of their neck
4. Use your other hand to support the breast if needed

Benefits:

• Provides more control over baby's head position
• Helpful for achieving a good latch
• Good for small or premature babies

Football (Clutch) Hold

Baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their legs extending behind you.

How to do it:

1. Sit with a pillow at your side for support
2. Tuck baby under your arm on the nursing side
3. Support baby's head with your hand
4. Baby's body rests along your forearm with legs behind you

Benefits:

• Keeps baby away from cesarean incision
• Good for mothers with large breasts
• Allows you to see baby's latch clearly
• Useful for nursing twins simultaneously

Twin Position (Double Football Hold)

Designed for nursing two babies at once.

How to do it:

1. Sit in a supportive chair with pillows on both sides
2. Position one baby in football hold on each side
3. Support both babies' heads with your hands
4. Use a nursing pillow designed for twins if available

Benefits:

• Efficient for feeding multiples
• Synchronizes babies' feeding schedules
• Frees up time between feeds

Nursing in a Carrier

For experienced nursing pairs, feeding while babywearing can be convenient.

How to do it:

1. Ensure baby is old enough to have good head control
2. Adjust carrier to bring baby to breast height
3. Support baby and breast as needed
4. Always maintain visibility of baby's face

Benefits:

• Allows hands-free feeding
• Convenient while out and about
• Soothes baby while on the move

Tips for All Positions

• Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby
• Support your back with pillows or a nursing pillow
• Keep baby close—their body should face yours
• Align ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line
• Ensure nose is free for easy breathing
• Switch sides to promote even milk production

Adjusting for Comfort

If a position isn't working:

• Try adding or removing pillows
• Adjust the angle of recline
• Experiment with different positions at different times of day
• Consider using a nursing pillow for additional support

Track Your Nursing Sessions with Amme

When you're trying different positions and switching sides, it's easy to lose track of where you left off. Amme helps you remember which breast you last used—so you can focus on finding comfortable positions instead of trying to recall details during those exhausting early weeks.

With Amme, you can:

• Remember which side to start on at each feed
• Track what positions work best by noting patterns in your feeding times
• See your nursing rhythm develop over days and weeks
• Share data with your healthcare provider if you're troubleshooting positioning issues

Switching sides regularly is important for balanced milk production—Amme makes it effortless to stay on track.

Download Amme on the App Store

References and Further Reading

• Ammehjelpen: Nursing Positions (Norwegian) — Detailed guides on various breastfeeding positions
• Ammehjelpen: Reclined Position — Guide to laid-back breastfeeding
• Ammehjelpen: Side-Lying Position — Nursing while lying down

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.