There is no set rule for how to breastfeed your baby. The key thing is that breastfeeding should be comfortable for you both, and baby should be able to access the milk they need to grow and develop. Finding a position that works for you both can be a case of trial and error and depend on many factors including whether you had a caesarean for example. As baby grows you will need to adjust how you support them, and this might mean changing position. 

Before you start 

· Have a big drink within reach as you need to stay hydrated to keep up your milk supply 

· Ensure you have pillows and support for yourself, and keep baby’s body in a straight line 

· Is baby distressed? If so try to calm and soothe baby before trying to get them to latch, and ensure you have plenty of skin to skin contact. 

Cradle hold breastfeeding 

· One the most popular breastfeeding positions 

· Convenient when out of the home 

· May not be the best option if you have just had a caesarean 

How to try this position

1. Settle in a chair, ideally with armrests and/or use cushions or pillows to support your elbows. 

2. Lay your baby in a straight line facing you, with their nose towards your nipple. Your baby’s head should be resting on your forearm and the back of their body supported by your hand. 

3. Hold your baby firmly against you as they open their mouth 

Lying down breastfeeding (side) 

· Good option if you are recovering from a difficult birth or caesarean 

· Can be more relaxing for you both especially for night feeds 

· Takes the pressure off your arms 

How to breastfeed in this position 

1. Lie down on your side in a comfortable position using pillows to support your head 

2. Position baby facing you, so their body is in a straight line 

3. Tuck your underneath arm under the pillows or stretch it out 

4. Support your baby’s head near your breast using your free hand 

Safety: Make sure there are no pillows or bedding covering baby’s face.

Woman breastfeeding on a sofa looking down at her baby

Laid back breastfeeding 

· Reclined position suited to the bed, sofa or a reclining chair 

· Uses gravity to help baby stay at the breast 

· Twins can be breastfed at the same time in this position 

How to breastfeed in this position 

1. Get settled in a reclined position with your back and shoulders supported 

2. Lay baby on you, tummy to tummy – they can be moved slightly to the side but keep their body in a straight line 

3. Supporting their neck hold them so their nose is in line with your nipple 

The rugby hold technique 

· Avoids pressure on the tummy area making it a good choice if you have had a caesarean 

· Twins can be breastfed at the same time in this position 

· Good position if you have flat or inverted nipples 

How to breastfeed in this position 

1. Sit down and place a pillow along your side that you’re going to feed your baby from 

2. Lay your baby on the pillow with their hip touching your hip and their nose positioned in line with your nipple. 

3. Support baby’s head with your hand and move them towards the breast. 

A checklist for latching on:

Consider the following for better and easier breastfeeding:

  • Is baby’s nose in line with your nipple?
  • Is baby’s mouth wide open? They will need to get a large mouthful of breast.
  • Is baby’s head tipped back and their lower jaw anchored on your breast? This makes swallowing easier and they can breathe through their nose.
  • Is baby in a straight line? Any twisting will cause issues with latching and digestion
  • Is it painful? If your baby has latched on correctly breastfeeding should not hurt. It is worth consulting a breastfeeding supporter who can help you with latching on. Small adjustments can make a big difference. 

Find out what to do if your baby wants to be with you all day in our separation anxiety post.