One of the first challenges many new moms face is figuring out how to hold their baby comfortably during feedings. There is no single correct position, and most mothers find that experimenting with a few different holds helps them discover what works best for both of them. Finding a comfortable position early on can make a real difference in latch quality, milk transfer, and how sustainable breastfeeding feels in those early weeks.
Why Position Matters for Breastfeeding
A good breastfeeding position supports both your body and your baby's body throughout the feeding. When your baby is well-positioned, they are more likely to latch deeply onto the breast rather than just the nipple, which is the most common cause of nipple pain and poor milk transfer in new moms. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, a deep latch where the baby takes in a generous amount of breast tissue, not just the nipple, is the foundation of a comfortable and effective feeding.
Good positioning also means your arms, back, and shoulders are supported so you are not straining during long feeding sessions. A nursing pillow can be a helpful tool for many of these positions, especially in the early weeks when newborns feed frequently and sessions can last 20 to 45 minutes.
Common Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns
Cradle hold: This is the most familiar position for many new moms. You hold your baby across your body with their head resting in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast you are nursing from. Your baby's body faces yours, tummy to tummy. This position works well once breastfeeding is established but can be trickier for very early newborns who are still learning to latch.
Cross-cradle hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but your opposite hand supports your baby's head, giving you more control over positioning and latch. This is often recommended for newborns and early breastfeeders because it allows you to guide your baby's mouth to the breast more precisely. Your free hand can also support your breast if needed.
Football hold: In this position, your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their legs pointing behind you and their head at your breast. This hold is particularly helpful for moms recovering from a cesarean birth, moms with larger breasts, or babies who have difficulty latching. It gives you a clear view of your baby's mouth and the latch.
Side-lying position: You and your baby lie facing each other on your sides. This is a restful option for nighttime feedings or when you need to take pressure off a cesarean incision. It takes some practice to master but is a favorite for many moms once they get the hang of it.
Laid-back breastfeeding (biological nurturing): You recline at a comfortable angle, and your baby lies on your chest with their tummy against yours. Gravity helps keep your baby in place, and many babies naturally find the breast in this position. This hold is often recommended when moms are experiencing a painful or shallow latch, as it encourages the baby to open wide and take in more breast tissue.
Signs Your Baby Is Well Positioned
You will know your baby is well positioned when their chin is touching your breast, their mouth is open wide with lips flanged outward, and you can see more of your areola above their top lip than below their bottom lip. You should hear soft swallowing and feel a strong, comfortable tugging sensation, not pinching or sharp pain. If latching is consistently painful, repositioning or reaching out to a lactation consultant is a worthwhile next step.
If you are experiencing latch challenges or nipple pain, having a reliable breast pump on hand can help you maintain your milk supply while you work on positioning. You can explore our insurance-covered pump options at Storkpump, and visit our Learning Center for more breastfeeding resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Positions
Which breastfeeding position is best for a newborn?
The cross-cradle hold and laid-back position are often recommended for newborns because they give you more control over the latch and encourage babies to open wide. That said, the best position is the one that is comfortable for both you and your baby and results in a deep, pain-free latch. Many moms use different positions for different situations.
Can I breastfeed lying down?
Yes. The side-lying position is safe and works well for nighttime feedings or rest. Make sure you are alert and comfortable, and that your baby's airway is clear. This position takes a little practice but can be very helpful once you feel confident with it.
How do I know if my baby has a deep latch?
A deep latch means your baby has taken in a generous amount of breast tissue, not just the nipple. You should see their lips flanged outward, their chin pressed into your breast, and more areola visible above their top lip than below their lower lip. A deep latch should feel like strong pulling pressure but not sharp pain.
What if breastfeeding still hurts even with good positioning?
Some tenderness in the first week or two is common as your body adjusts. Pain that persists beyond that or occurs throughout the feeding usually signals a latch issue, a flange fit problem if you are pumping, or another underlying cause. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can assess your latch in person and offer personalized guidance. You can also reach out to our Storkpump IBCLCs at askanIBCLC@storkpump.com.
Does my baby's position matter if I am pumping instead of nursing?
Pumping positions matter less than nursing positions, but your own comfort during a session does affect your letdown reflex. Staying relaxed, leaning slightly forward, and using a correctly sized flange all contribute to a more effective pump session. Visit our Flange Sizing Guide to confirm your fit.
Get the Support You Need
Learning to breastfeed takes time, and it is completely normal to need a few weeks to find your rhythm. If you have questions about positioning, pumping, or getting a breast pump through insurance, Storkpump is here to help. Visit our FAQ page, explore our Learning Center, or browse our pump collection to get started.
Sources:
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2023). ABM Clinical Protocol #2: Guidelines for birth hospitalization discharge of breastfeeding dyads, revised 2022. Breastfeeding Medicine, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2022.29203.aeh
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. Breastfeeding. https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
Berens, P., Eglash, A., Malloy, M., & Steube, A. M. (2016). ABM Clinical Protocol #26: Persistent pain with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine, 11(2), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2016.29002.pjb
ACHC Accredited