Breastfeeding is not just about feeding your baby; it is also one of the mom-child bonding sessions. It is a time for the baby to get used to his/her mom and is considered one of the glorious moments of motherhood.
However, one of the biggest game-changers is finding a position that keeps you comfortable and helps your baby latch well. The “best” breastfeeding position is simply the one that works for your body, your baby, and your day.
A quick note before we start: if something feels painful (beyond mild tenderness in the early days), or your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, it’s worth getting support from a midwife, health visitor, or lactation consultant. Tiny tweaks can make a massive difference.
Keep a stock of Nintara Baby products that help mums ease the process of breastfeeding. Now, let’s talk positions. Try one at a time, and permit yourself to practise. Breastfeeding is a skill for both of you, and that’s actually the first thing that you teach your child.
1) Cradle Hold
This is the classic position many people picture.
How to do it:
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Sit upright.
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Rest baby’s head in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast you’re feeding from.
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Baby’s body lies across your front, tummy-to-tummy.
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Use your other hand to support your breast if needed.
Why it can work well:
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It feels natural once you get the hang of it.
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Nice for daytime feeds when you’re more confident.
A small tip: If your baby is tiny or you’re still learning, cradle hold can sometimes feel harder because it’s easy for baby’s head to be slightly turned. If that happens, try the cross-cradle hold next.
2) Cross-Cradle Hold
This one offers more control, especially in the early days.
How to do it:
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If feeding from the right breast, support baby with your left arm.
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Hold baby’s neck and shoulders with your left hand (rather than the back of the head).
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With your right hand, you can support your breast and guide the latch.
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Baby’s tummy is against you, nose in line with the nipple.
Why it can work well:
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Great for helping baby get a deeper latch.
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Helpful for smaller babies or if you’re dealing with latch issues.
A small tip: Support behind the shoulders, not the back of the head. Babies often latch better when they can tilt their head back slightly.
3) Rugby Hold (Clutch Hold)
This is brilliant if you’ve had a caesarean, have twins, or need to keep pressure off your tummy.
How to do it:
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Tuck baby under your arm on the same side as the breast you’re using, like holding a rugby ball.
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Baby’s legs go behind you, and their body is alongside your side.
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Support baby’s neck and shoulders with your hand.
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Bring baby’s nose to the nipple and let them latch.
Why it can work well:
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Keeps baby away from a sore abdomen.
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Helpful if you have larger breasts or a strong let-down.
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Handy if you want a clear view of baby’s latch.
4) Side-Lying Position
This is the “I need a rest” position, and it can be a lifesaver for night feeds.
How to do it:
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Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your head.
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Place baby on their side facing you, tummy-to-tummy.
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Bring baby close, nose level with your nipple.
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You can support your breast slightly or roll a small towel behind baby’s back for stability.
Why it can work well:
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Lets you rest while feeding.
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Great for recovery after birth.
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Helpful for frequent night feeds.
A small tip: Make sure your sleep space is safe, especially if you might drift off. It’s worth checking trusted safe sleep guidance in your area.
5) Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)
This is a relaxed, reclined position that uses gravity and baby’s natural instincts.
How to do it:
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Lean back comfortably, supported by cushions.
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Place baby on your chest, tummy against you.
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Let baby nuzzle and find the nipple, with gentle guidance if needed.
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Baby can be slightly diagonal across you.
Why it can work well:
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Can help with a fast let-down because baby has more control.
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Often feels calmer and less “fiddly”.
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Encourages a deep latch naturally.
A small tip: Think of it as “relax and support” rather than “position perfectly”. This one is about comfort.
6) Upright or Koala Hold
Baby sits upright, straddling your thigh or hip, facing the breast.
How to do it:
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Sit baby upright, chest-to-chest with you.
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Support baby’s neck and back.
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Let baby latch while staying upright.
Why it can work well:
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Useful for babies with reflux or congestion.
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Can be comfortable for older babies with good head control.
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Helpful if your baby dislikes being cradled.
A small tip: This position usually works best once baby has steadier head and neck control, but some newborns also manage with support.
7) Feeding Twins (If This Is You)
If you’re feeding two, you’re doing something seriously demanding, and you deserve all the cushions.
Common approaches:
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Double rugby hold: one baby under each arm.
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Combination holds: one in cradle, one in rugby.
A twin pillow can help keep both babies at the right height. Even if you aim to feed them together, it’s perfectly fine to feed one at a time while you’re learning.
When a Position Doesn’t Feel Right
Sometimes the position is fine, but something needs a small adjustment.
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Nipple pain: Try a deeper latch, change the angle, or switch to cross-cradle or laid-back.
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Baby keeps popping off: Check that baby’s body is close and aligned, and that you’re not holding the head too tightly.
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You’re getting back or shoulder pain: Add pillows, lift the baby higher, and bring the baby to you.
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Engorgement: Side-lying or rugby can make it easier to position the baby without pressure.
You don’t need to master every position. You just need one or two that feel good and work reliably. Some days, what works in the morning won’t work in the evening, and that’s normal. Your body is healing, your baby is growing, and you’re both learning together. We at Nintara Baby are with you all the way, dear mamma. Arm yourself with Nintara Baby products, including essential baby products like our soothing swaddles, gentle diaper creams and breeze your way to the motherhood journey.
