Breastfeeding positions

From cradling your baby or tucking them under your arm, to lying on your side, it’s important to find a breastfeeding position that suits you both. If you feel uncomfortable, reposition your baby at any time. This can help reduce any pain from engorged breasts, and help you make a success of feeding.

quick explanation

Find the best breastfeeding position that’s the most comfortable for you and your baby, whether that’s lying down or sitting up.

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0-6

Months

reading time

5

minutes

All mum’s bodies are different and so one position might work well for you but would not work for someone else¹.

Lying down is a great position for early breastfeeding and helps the baby to show initial reflexes which can help to have successful breastfeeding².

Feeding in an upright feeding positions, such as the koala hold, can be useful in reducing reflux in your baby⁴.

Best breastfeeding position for newborns

There are no best breastfeeding positions for your newborn, as all mum’s bodies are different and so one position might work well for you but would not work for someone else1. When it comes to breastfeeding, finding a position that’s comfortable for you and your baby can make a real difference. Watch this short step-by-step guide from Aptaclub, showing three of the best breastfeeding positions you can try.

Breastfeeding Positions

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Lying down

This feed involves you sitting relaxed and supported laying back slightly, with your baby laying on your stomach, being able to crawl towards the breast and feed¹.
This is a great position for early breastfeeding and helps the baby to show initial reflexes which can help to have successful breastfeeding².

Lying on your side

This feed involves you lying on your side, and your baby lying next to you and feeding while you are facing each other.
This is useful if you have had a caesarean birth, as it can relive the pressure on your stomach³.

Rugby hold

This feed involves your baby lying supported in line with your arm, with their feet behind you and resting on the back of your seat.
This is also useful if you have had a caesarean birth, as it can relive the pressure on your stomach³.

Cradle hold

This feed involves your baby facing you with you supporting their head, neck and shoulders.
This is useful for breastfeeding in public as it is easy to support the infant in any seated position.

Koala hold

This feed involves your baby sitting on your lap, with their legs either side of your thigh and sitting upright to feed.
This is useful if you are shy to breastfeed in public as it is more discrete. This also helps if your baby is older and can support their own head, otherwise it is important to ensure you are supporting the baby’s head throughout feeding⁴.

Best breastfeeding position for reflux

If your baby is having problems with reflux it can be helpful to feed in an upright position. So the koala hold can be useful in reducing reflux episodes in your baby⁴. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned that your baby has a feeding issue.

Healthy breastfeeding diet

Common breastfeeding problems

How to breastfeed

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You can get quick answers to common questions in our FAQs.

Alternatively, if you need help with general pregnancy or baby advice, or maybe on using or ordering our products - our expert team are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby.

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Colson, S. Maternal breastfeeding positions: Have we got it right? (2). The Practising Midwife, 2005;8(11):29-32.
Colson, S., Meek, J. and Hawdon, J. Early Hum Dev, 2008;84(7):441-449.
Puapornpong, P., et al. Breastfeed Med, 2017;12(4):233-237.
Thomson, S. J Hum Lact, 2013;29(2):147-149.

Last reviewed: 18th August 2020
Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team

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