Popular Breastfeeding Positions and Step by Step Instructions

Here are some popular breastfeeding positions that you could try to find what is most comfortable for you and your baby.  Below you will find step by step instructions for each position, along with an accompanying picture to give a visual of what it should look like.

Cradle PositionImage result for breastfeeding positions

  1. Place a pillow or two in your lap to support your baby
  2. Place your baby’s head in the crook of your arm
  3. Make sure your baby is turned towards your chest at breast level

 

Cross Cradle Position

This position is ideal for early breast-feeding. Image result for breastfeeding positions

  1. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests.
  2. Bring your baby across the front of your body, tummy to tummy. 
  3. Hold your baby in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you’re feeding from
  4. This would be left arm for right breast and the right arm for the left.

 

 

Football/clutch position

  1. Put a pillow or two at your side to help support your arm and your babyImage result for breastfeeding positions
  2. Support your baby’s neck and the lower back of his/her head in your hand.
  3. With your forearm supporting his/her upper body against the side of your body
  4. Now you can follow the steps to get your baby to latch below

 

Lying down positionImage result for breastfeeding positions

  1. Lie down on your side with pillows supporting your back and your top leg, which will be bent forward
  2. Place your baby on his/her side facing you
  3. Then all you will need to do is follow the steps below to get your baby to latch

 

Once you have your baby in place, and in the position that feels best for the both of you then you will need to take the steps needed to begin breastfeeding.

  1. Start by supporting your breast with your hand in an “L” or “C” position with your thump on top of your breast, with your fingers below and away from the areola
  2. Tickle your baby’s lower lip until he/she opens wide
  3. Then you will need to quickly pull him/her onto your breast
  4. Make sure that your baby’s lips are behind the nipple and are encircling the areola.
  5. To know if the baby is in the right position, his/her nose should be touching your breast

To get more information and tips on what breastfeeding positions work best for different situations, you can check out Baby Center’s article, Positions and tips for making breastfeeding work, by clicking here.