Four breastfeeding positions worth trying in the first weeks

There's no single "right" way to hold your baby for a feed. The best position is the one where you're comfortable and your baby latches deeply. Here are the four I teach most often, and who each one suits.

1. Cross-cradle hold

Best for: the first days and weeks, small or sleepy babies, and anyone still learning to latch.

Hold your baby across your body with the arm opposite to the breast you're feeding from. Your hand supports the back of the shoulders and neck, with your thumb and fingers behind the ears. Your other hand is free to support the breast. It gives you lots of control over the latch, which is why I like it for beginners.

2. Cradle hold

Best for: once latching is going well, usually after the first few weeks.

The classic position. Your baby lies across your lap, with their head resting in the crook of the arm on the same side as the breast. Keep your baby tummy to tummy with you. A pillow under your arm stops you from hunching forward.

3. Football (rugby) hold

Best for: after a C-section, larger breasts, twins, premature babies, and babies who get sleepy at the breast.

Tuck your baby along your side, under your arm, with their legs pointing towards the back of the chair. Your hand supports the neck and shoulders. There's no pressure on your tummy, and you get a clear view of the latch. With two pillows, you can even feed twins this way at the same time.

Bring your baby up to the breast using pillows, rather than leaning down to your baby. Your back will thank you.

4. Side-lying

Best for: night feeds, rest after a C-section or a tiring birth, and resting while your baby feeds.

Lie on your side with a pillow behind your back and one between your knees. Your baby lies facing you, tummy to tummy, with their nose level with your nipple. It can take a little practice, so try it during the day first when you're more awake.

For safety: keep pillows and heavy blankets away from your baby's face, use a firm, flat surface, and don't feed lying down on a sofa or armchair, where babies can get trapped.

Also worth knowing: laid-back feeding

Lean back comfortably, supported by pillows, and lay your baby tummy-down on your chest. Gravity keeps your baby close, and many babies find the breast on their own with their natural reflexes. It's lovely for skin-to-skin time and can help babies who struggle to latch.

Switch it up

Using different positions through the day changes the pressure on the breast. That can help with sore nipples and helps drain all parts of the breast. If one position isn't working, try another before deciding that feeding "isn't working".

Positions are much easier to learn with someone beside you. I'm happy to help, in person or online.