Breastfeeding Positions Every New Mom Should Know

July 26, 2025

Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your baby, but finding the right position can make all the difference in your comfort and your baby’s latch. 💕 Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a little refresher, here are the top breastfeeding positions every new mama should know — plus tips to help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. 💫

Why Breastfeeding Position Matters 🍼

The right breastfeeding position helps your baby latch deeply and effectively, prevents nipple pain, reduces gas, and promotes milk flow. It also helps you avoid sore shoulders, neck, and back. Let's explore the best options! 👇

1. Cradle Hold 🌸 (The Classic One)

This is the most common and natural-looking position.

👉 How to do it:

Hold your baby in your arm on the side you're nursing from.
Their head should rest in the crook of your elbow, with their body facing yours (tummy to tummy).
Use your other hand to support your breast.

✨ Best for: Full-term babies with a strong latch.

2. Cross-Cradle Hold 🌼 (For Better Latching)

Similar to the cradle hold but gives you more control of your baby’s head.

👉 How to do it:

Hold your baby with the opposite arm of the breast you're using.
Support their head and guide them to the breast with your hand.
Use the hand on your nursing side to support your breast.

✨ Best for: Newborns or babies struggling to latch.

3. Football Hold 🏈 (AKA Clutch Hold)

Perfect if you had a C-section, twins, or large breasts.

👉 How to do it:

Tuck your baby under your arm like a football, with their body along your side and feet pointing back.
Use pillows to support them and bring them to breast height.

✨ Best for: Moms recovering from surgery or nursing multiples.

4. Side-Lying Position 😴 (For Restful Feeds)

Ideal for night feeds or if you need rest while nursing.

👉 How to do it:

Lie on your side with your baby facing you.
Use your hand to help them latch, then rest.
Keep your baby’s head aligned with their body.

✨ Best for: Tired moms or nighttime nursing.

5. Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing) Position 🌿

A relaxed, natural way to breastfeed — especially right after birth.

👉 How to do it:

Recline slightly and place your baby tummy-down on your chest.
Gravity helps them find the breast and latch on.
Support as needed.

✨ Best for: Skin-to-skin contact and initiating breastfeeding.

Bonus Tips for Success 💡

🌟 Use pillows or a nursing cushion to support your arms and baby
🌟 Always bring baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby
🌟 Keep your baby's head, neck, and spine aligned
🌟 Don’t be afraid to try different positions until you find what works best for both of you

Final Thoughts 💕

There’s no “one right way” to breastfeed — it’s all about what feels good for you and your baby. Don’t stress if it takes time to figure it out. You’re learning together, and you’re doing beautifully. 🌸

Looking for helpful breastfeeding tools? Explore Omomly’s comfort kits, nursing pillows, and tracking journals to make your journey easier and more joyful. 💗

You've got this, mama. ✨

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