Breast Feeding Positions - Lying down position

Lying down This position is especially good for night feeding. Lie on your side and place the baby on his side facing you, with his head at your breast. You may place a couple of pillows at your back for some extra support. Ensure that the baby can breathe through his nose.

This position is relaxing for you. Often both you and the baby will drift off to

Breast Feeding Positions - Football hold

Football hold

The baby is placed with his legs under your arm. Hold your baby like a football along your forearm, with the baby`s body on your arm and with his face toward your breast. Use your other hand to support your breast. This position is good if you have engorged breasts or sore nipples. A mother who has undergone cesarean section and cannot lay the baby on her stomach will find this position useful.. If you often have plugged milk ducts, the football hold can help because it helps your baby empty the ducts at the bottom of the breast. It is also a good position for nursing twins!

Breast Feeding Positions - Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle hold is similar to the cradle hold except your baby is laying the opposite direction, with his head in your hand, rather than in crook of your arm. This is a good position when first learning to breast-feed because it gives you good control of the baby`s head while you are helping your baby get the nipple in his mouth.

Breast Feeding Positons

How to hold the baby when feeding

There are 4 main breast-feeding positions: the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, and lying down.

Cradle hold

This is the most common position. This requires you to sit down with your baby in your lap and the baby`s head supported in the bend of your elbow. The baby`s chest should be against your chest so that he doesn`t have to turn his head to reach your nipple. Ensure that the arm of the chair is at the right height to support your arm. Use pillows to support your back, your arm, and the baby`s head. A footstool may be helpful to raise your feet.