Breastfeeding is a beautiful and intimate experience, but it can also present unique challenges for new mothers, from latching problems to sore nipples. Using various tried-and-true positions for breastfeeding can help make this special bonding time easier, more comfortable, and more successful. Below are eight different breastfeeding positions for newborns and beyond.

1. Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position that often comes to mind when we talk about breastfeeding. It is popular and generally one of the most suitable positions for babies of all ages. However, it may be challenging with newborns, as it provides less support.

Steps:

1. Sit upright in a comfortable place, such as a nursing chair or a seat cushioned with pillows.
2. Position your baby’s head and neck along your forearm on the side of the  breast you are feeding from, ensuring their nose is aligned with your nipple. Their head should rest in the crook of your arm.
3. Hold your baby’s body close against your stomach to create a secure and comfortable latch.
4. Support your breast with your free hand, using either a U-shaped hold from underneath or a C-shaped grip around the outside of the areola. 

Benefits: The cradle hold allows you to keep an eye on your baby and can also be used if your baby is in a sling or cradle. It is suitable for babies of all ages, especially after the first couple of weeks. 

2. Cross-Cradle Hold

The cross-cradle hold is a variation of the classic cradle hold, where you use the opposite arm to support your baby. This means your baby rests along the arm that is opposite to the breast you are feeding from.

Steps: 

1. Sit upright in a comfortable place, such as a nursing chair or a seat cushioned with pillows.
2. Hold your baby on the opposite arm, using your open hand to support their head and neck.
3. Draw your baby closer to your body by pulling in your arm. You can use your fingers to provide additional support, such as by placing them behind the baby’s ears and neck to guide their mouth to your breast.
4. Use your other hand to support your breast in a U-shaped hold to direct the nipple towards their mouth.

Benefits: This position is ideal for beginner mums and smaller babies, making it perfect for newborns and those having trouble latching. It also provides better control of the baby’s head.

3. Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Reclined Position)

Laid-back breastfeeding, also known as the reclined position or by the more technical term, “biological nurturing”, allows for a relaxed feeding session. Despite its name, you can be semi-reclined. Lying completely flat is not advised.

Steps: 

1. Get into a reclined position by leaning back on a sofa or bed, ensuring your body is well supported. If needed, use pillows for extra support. 
2. Place your baby on your chest, tummy-down. Alternatively, you can lie your baby on their side near the breast.
3. As your baby moves towards the nipple, gently guide them while providing support. Ensure their feet aren’t suspended in the air. Your body should help balance them.

Benefits: It’s one of the most natural positions to use with your newborn. Your baby instinctively knows how to navigate towards your breast with skin-to-skin contact, eventually finding their way to your nipple. For those who have had a Caesarean section, this position also provides greater flexibility, allowing your baby to lie across from you without touching your incision. Laid-back breastfeeding is also recognised for its increased production of nurturing hormones, facilitating bonding.

4. Rugby Hold

In the rugby hold, the baby is tucked under your arm beside you—similar to holding a rugby ball, with their feet pointing towards your back. Due to this positioning, it is also known as the football hold, clutch hold, or underarm hold.

Steps: 

1. Sit upright in a comfortable place, such as a nursing chair or a seat cushioned with pillows.
2. Position your baby under your arm with their feet pointing towards your back, and their head resting in the palm of your hand while you hold the base of their neck. Their back should rest comfortably on your forearm.
3. Bring your baby up to the appropriate height, ensuring their nose is level with your nipple. As you guide them, keep their neck well supported.
4. If your other arm is free, use it to support your breast for added stability.

Benefits: The rugby hold is a suitable option for mums who have undergone C-section, as it does not put any pressure on the delicate area. It can also be beneficial if your breasts are engorged or sore, as it helps empty the lower ducts. But the best part? You can use it for twins—you can hold both babies at once without straining your back or arms, especially with the help of nursing pillows. 

5. Side-Lying Position

The side-lying position offers less visibility compared to other breastfeeding positions, making it harder to see if your baby is properly latched. However, once you and your baby become used to breastfeeding, it can be an excellent choice for late-night feedings.

Steps:

1. Lie on your side and position your baby opposite you, also lying on their side. Ensure your baby’s body is aligned from ear to shoulder to hip. Use pillows to support your head and neck.
2. Face your baby towards your breast, supporting them as you do so. Their head should be parallel to your breast. Make sure their path to your breast is obstructed.
3. Tuck your arm on the side you are lying on under the pillow or your head. Use your free hand to bring your baby closer, and gently guide their head to your breast.

Benefits: Optimal for nighttime feedings or for those recovering from childbirth, especially after a difficult delivery, the side-lying position allows for comfortable feeding while enabling you to relax. 

6. Upright Breastfeeding (Koala Hold)

The upright breastfeeding position is distinct from most other breastfeeding holds because it has the baby sitting upright. Some refer to it as the koala, or the upright football hold. This position is characterised by the baby facing you while straddling your knee.

Steps:

1. Sit upright in a comfortable place, such as a nursing chair or a seat cushioned with pillows.
2. Position your baby facing you, balanced on your thigh. They should straddle your knee. Ensure their spine is straight.
3. Make sure your baby can hold up their head. You can provide support with your hand on the same side.
4. Use your free hand to support your breast, similar to how you would in other breastfeeding positions. 

Benefits: Upright breastfeeding can be helpful for minimising discomfort from acid reflux and reducing spit-ups after feedings. Additionally, this position helps prevent fluid from accumulating in the ears, which can improve drainage and provide relief for babies with ear infections. For older babies, upright breastfeeding can be done with minimal assistance.

7. Dangle Feeding

Dangle feeding is a breastfeeding technique that lets gravity do the work, promoting milk flow as you lean over your baby. It is said that this method is particularly effective for relieving clogged milk ducts and is often adopted by mums dealing with mastitis. 

Steps: 

1. Place your baby on their back on a flat, comfortable surface.
2. Get into a hands-and-knees position (on all fours), leaning over your baby in the middle, and try to position them so that your nipple is aligned with their mouth.
3. Alternatively, sit on a comfortable couch and place your baby on your lap, then lean over them.
4. Bend down slowly and gently to allow your baby to latch.

Benefits: Dangle feeding can be tiring if done continuously, but it can be effective for easing blocked ducts. You can massage your breast while dangle feeding to enhance the flow of milk. Some parents also find that this technique can improve latching.

8. Nursing in a Sling

When a baby is in a sling, they are positioned in a high and upright position with their head supported. Most of the time, this is a spread squat—thighs splayed out around your waist, and hips slightly bent and lower than the knees. Mums can also consider employing the cradle carry where babies are faced upwards and on their back. When nursing in a sling, make sure the baby can breathe easily (chin not tucked into their chest) and maintain a comfortable latch. 

Steps:

1. Choose a supportive sling that allows your baby to sit in a high, upright position.
2. Place your baby in the sling, ensuring their thighs are spread around your torso and hips slightly bent.
3. Make sure your baby’s head and neck are adequately supported. Adjust the sling as necessary. If you’re using a cradle carry, gently lift your baby to face upwards.
4. Ensure your baby’s mouth is aligned with your nipple, and allow them to latch onto your breast.

Benefits: Breastfeeding directly from the sling is convenient when you need to multitask or head out. This position is also helpful for babies who fuss when placed down or who feed frequently, as it may encourage longer breastfeeding sessions. 

Comparison Table

Breastfeeding Position	Description	Best For	Key Benefits
Cradle Hold	Classic position with baby’s head resting in the crook of your arm, supported along your forearm.	Babies of all ages, especially older than a few weeks.	Allows close eye contact, suitable for using in slings or cradles.
Cross-Cradle Hold	Variation of the cradle hold where the baby is supported by the opposite arm to the feeding breast.	Newborns and babies having trouble latching.	Provides more control over the baby’s head for easier latching.
Laid-Back Breastfeeding	Reclined or semi-reclined position with baby placed tummy-down on your chest.	Newborns, C-section recovery.	Natural and instinctive, encourages skin-to-skin contact, increases bonding hormones.
Rugby Hold	The baby is positioned under the arm with feet pointing towards your back, like holding a rugby ball.	C-section recovery, twins, sore breasts.	No pressure on C-section scars, suitable for feeding twins, helps empty lower ducts.
Side-Lying Position	Both you and the baby lie on your sides facing each other for feeding.	Nighttime feedings, post-childbirth recovery.	Comfortable for nighttime, allows you to relax while feeding.
Upright Breastfeeding (Koala Hold)	The baby sits upright, straddling your knee while feeding.	Babies with acid reflux or ear infections.	Minimises reflux and spit-ups, reduces ear infection discomfort.
Dangle Feeding	Lean over your baby to let gravity aid milk flow while feeding.	Clogged ducts, mastitis, babies having trouble latching.	Helps relieve clogged milk ducts, promotes better milk flow.
Nursing in a Sling	The baby is held in an upright or cradle carry position within a sling.	On-the-go feeding, babies who fuss when put down.	Convenient for multitasking, encourages longer feeding sessions.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be afraid to try different positions and see which ones feel best for both you and your baby. It might take a little patience and practice, but that’s all part of parenthood. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and whatever positions you choose, the most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy, happy and connected. 

For help in choosing the right breastfeeding essentials, speak to our Digital Nursery Advisors at Mothercare Malaysia. Or, visit our experience stores at Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall for personalised assistance. With more than 50 years of experience in the market, Mothercare Malaysia is the trusted partner for new, seasoned and expectant mothers. Learn more about us here.