Our Essential Guide to the Best Breastfeeding Positions

Estimated read time: 12 minutes

Are you in need of breastfeeding positions to feed your baby? We've got you!

First off, congrats on your gorgeous new baby, mama!

Now your little munchkin is here, you might be keen to get started on your amazing breastfeeding journey. There are so many incredible benefits of breastfeeding, for your baby and you, and starting as soon as your little one arrives is the best way to get to know each other and discover the best breastfeeding positions for you.

But, how do you know which breastfeeding position will work? And what happens if you have a c-section? Will it be harder to breastfeed? 

We’ve got you mama.

Check out our essential guide to the best breastfeeding positions and discover the perfect way to nurse your little munchkin comfortably.

In this article:

• Easiest breastfeeding positions for newborns
• Breastfeeding positions after c-section
• Easy breastfeeding positions for larger breasts

Easiest breastfeeding positions for newborns

When your baby arrives, it can be a little overwhelming, and even though breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t mean it comes naturally for everyone.

It’s a journey that can take a lot of time, patience, and determination, and finding a comfortable nursing position will help so much. Getting your baby positioned and latched correctly is an art and it can take time to find the position that works best for you and your little one.

While there isn’t a breastfeeding position that is ultimately “the best,” there has been research that suggests breastfeeding in a reclining position may be preferable, as it can trigger your little one’s natural reflexes to find your nipple and latch on successfully. 

Here are some of the best and easiest breastfeeding positions for newborns that you can try out once your sweet little muffin is in your arms.

The laid-back hold

This is one of the first positions many new mamas try when they first give birth. The midwife will place your baby on your chest or tummy while you’re laying back, giving your body full support and encouraging your baby’s instinctive breastfeeding reflexes. It’s wonderfully natural and comfortable, and it can help you feel more relaxed. 

The cradle hold

This is the classic hold we always think of when nursing a baby. Your arm cradles your baby’s head and guides his mouth to your breast. Now, if you’ve just given birth, you’ll be tired and, most likely, a bit uncomfortable. If you want to nurse in this position, make sure you have lots of support around you such as pillows. If you’re in bed, sit up in a comfortable position with pillows propped up behind you and supporting your arm.

This position may not be the easiest if you’ve had a c-section, but a breastfeeding pillow can help take some of the pressure off.

The straddle hold

Also known as the Australian hold, this one is best if your baby is over two weeks old. Essentially, you place your baby straddled over your thigh and hold their shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. Use your index finger and thumb to support his head and use your other hand to support his hips.

The cross-cradle hold

This is a variation on the cradle hold that allows you to support your baby behind his head with your hand instead of your elbow. This position can help your baby latch on more effectively as you can remove your lower arm to help position your breast to give them the correct latch position. 

We also love the football hold and the side-lying position, which we’ll talk about in a minute.

Breastfeeding positions after c-section 

If you had your baby via c-section and are keen to nurse your little munchkin, then the good news is you totally can. There are loads of breastfeeding positions after a c-section that will allow you to breastfeed your baby comfortably and, as long as you’re feeling well enough to do so, you can start breastfeeding right after delivery.

Some hospitals even give new mamas the opportunity to nurse while they’re still in the operating theatre. How cool is that?

If you or your baby needs a little extra care after birth, then nursing might have to wait a little while. If you haven’t been able to start breastfeeding after 12 hours since giving birth, use a breast pump to start expressing colostrum and get lactation started.

Just remember, a c-section is major surgery, and you will probably have a hard time moving around for the first few days. Make sure you have the support of your partner, doula, or lactation consultant to help you get into a comfortable position.

The best breastfeeding positions after a c-section

Because of your incision, you’ll want to find breastfeeding positions that put as little pressure on your wound as possible. Some positions are more comfortable than others, so it’s a good idea to try each of these out a few times to figure out what works best for you and your baby.

We also recommend investing in a good breastfeeding pillow, as this help take the weight of your baby off your body and provides extra support and comfort. 

1. Football hold position - Also known as the clutch hold, this is when you hold your baby beside you with your elbow bent. Using your open hand, support your little one’s head and face her toward your breast, allowing her to latch without holding her on your tummy.
   
   
2. Side-lying position - This is a lovely and comfortable position that allows you to lie down side-by-side with your beautiful babe. Lie on your sides facing each other with your baby’s chest facing your chest. Your baby should be level with your nipple and as you pull her close, assist her with latching and cradle her back with your forearm.
   
   
3. Cradle hold position - Using your breastfeeding pillow, lie your baby across your lap facing you. Cradle your baby’s head on your forearm with their nose pointing towards your nipple, and use your hand (and the pillow) to support the length of their body.

Are there any side effects of breastfeeding while lying down?

Breastfeeding positions in bed can be a welcome relief for exhausted and recovering moms. But some mamas find that when they breastfeed lying down it doesn’t allow their breasts to fully drain. Excess milk in your Boobies can lead to engorgement or mastitis, so if you feel like your Titties are still full, encourage your baby to feed some more or you can pump out the excess and store it for later.

It’s super important not to fall asleep while breastfeeding lying down (easier said than done mama, we know), so if you feel yourself starting to doze off, move into one of the other breastfeeding positions after a c-section or place your baby safely in their crib. 

If you have any concerns about side-lying feeding, speak to your midwife or lactation consultant.

 

 

Easy breastfeeding positions for larger breasts

Boobies come in every gorgeous shape and size. If you have beautiful larger Titties, then positioning your baby and your Boobs at the same time can feel like you need five hands!  

You want to hold the baby correctly to help them get the right latch and draw out milk effectively, but you also need to support your breast to keep it in the right position. You might need to get a little creative and use props to help you get the best support. Think cushions, nursing pillows, and rolled-up blankets and towels tucked under your glorious Boobs to help lift them a bit.  

Here are a few of our favorite easy breastfeeding positions for larger breasts to try out.

The football hold

We talked about this position earlier for breastfeeding after a c-section, but it’s also a great easy breastfeeding position for larger breasts. Use a nursing pillow or rolled-up blanket to help support your arm so it doesn’t get tired, and use your other hand to support your breast. 

Side-lying position

This is another good option, as the surface of your bed takes the pressure off your back and allows you to position your breast in the right position for latching.

Supported breast

When you have larger breasts they can feel quite heavy, making it hard to support them with your hand for a long period of time (and lord knows those nursing sessions can be long!) Roll up a blanket or towel and slip it under your Boob to lift your breast up to relieve pressure on you and your baby.

Laid back

This position is also known as “biological nurturing,” because it’s used by animals in nature. It’s great for mamas with larger breasts as your baby is supported by your body, and, by laying down, your breasts become flatter, making it easier for your baby to latch. The milk release will also be more steady, which is a bonus if you have a large or fast let-down.

Breastie, you're the Breast! 

We know how tough breastfeeding can be for a lot of mamas, but you’re a milk goddess and we’re so proud of you. We think You’re the Tits! 

Have you tried any of these positions? Which one worked best for you? We’d love to hear from you, so join in the conversation on our Instagram page and let other mamas know how you’re getting on. 

At Titty City Design, we believe that every boobie is beautiful, and that should be celebrated. We are a female-owned and operated, small business here to spread self-love and body positivity with our line of boob apparel, boob accessories, and boob-themed decor and products for the home. A portion of our proceeds goes to help support postpartum people and breast cancer patients.

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