Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Positions

You can basically breastfeed/chestfeed any which way you want! As long as your baby is able to latch deeply, you can find your own unique ways to position and hold. However, I definitely recommend trying these positions when you're in the process of learning.

Regardless of which hold you use, it is likely for the first few weeks you will have to support your breast/chest the entire feeding. Until you infant gets enough stamina, letting go of your breast/chest very early in the feeding may result in pain and shallowing of the latch.

This post is most helpful in teaching about positions, if you are looking for information and videos regarding the latch specifically, check out my previous post here.

My favorite "starter" position for your first few days or weeks breastfeeding/chestfeeding is in Cross Cradle Position.

This is where the you hold your breast/chest with the same hand as the feeding side. The opposite hand will support your baby.

Another video of cross cradle the provides in detail what an entire feeding/positioning/latching can look like!

Next is football hold. Another great beginner position, very helpful for when you have a c-section, are feeding twins or have a larger chest size. This is where you tuck your infant next to your body, instead of across your body.

Laidback Position is excellent for infants who are particularly fussy or "handsy". As this allows infants to use their in-born cues and reflexes. This often is difficult with newborns as it is a very "baby-led" position. This can be a very comfortable position when infants are cluster feeding as they can readily move from the center of the parents chest to latching with minimal adjustments and repositioning.

Side-lying position is another great position for parents who have had a cesarean section or have a very sore belly. It also is a little bit more difficult as a newborn, but is by no means impossible! It's important to be careful to still observe safe sleep behaviors when utilizing this as a feeding position. This also can be a very comfortable position when infants are cluster feeding, allowing for periods of relaxation for both the parent and baby between frequent feedings.