How to Hold Your Baby to Breastfeed: The Top Breastfeeding Positions for a Comfortable, Successful Feed

No matter how many books you read, birth classes you attend, or YouTube videos you watch, nothing fully prepares you for the early days of motherhood. The first few weeks are a whirlwind of love, exhaustion, and learning curves - especially when it comes to breastfeeding.

Many new mums are surprised at how challenging breastfeeding can be. The truth is, it's a skill- one you and your baby learn together. One of the most important factors in successful, comfortable breastfeeding is positioning- how you hold your baby at the breast.

The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some mums rotate through multiple breastfeeding positions depending on the time of day, comfort level, or baby’s needs, while others find one that works and stick with it.

The key is finding a position that:

• · Feels comfortable for you both,

• · Allows your baby to attach deeply, and

• · Supports your baby’s natural feeding instincts.

Let’s explore your options.

Your Baby’s Natural Instincts

From birth, babies are born with incredible instincts that help them find the breast, including:

• · Sticking out their tongue

• · Turning their head side to side

• · Wriggling and rooting

• · Finding and grasping the nipple

• · Attaching and suckling

Some mums prefer to let their baby follow these cues and find the breast on their own- this is called baby-led attachment and often works well when you're in a laid-back or reclining position.

Other mums prefer mother-led attachment, where you gently guide your baby to the breast in a position that works for both of you.

Whichever approach you take, the goal is to ensure your baby is close, aligned, and able to latch deeply and comfortably.

How to Know if Your Baby is Attaching Correctly

If breastfeeding feels painful after the first few weeks, or your nipples are cracked or bleeding, that’s a red flag. Poor attachment can lead to pain and feeding challenges. You may notice:

• · Bub popping on and off the breast

• · Milk spilling from their mouth

• · Not gaining weight or having fewer wet nappies

Sometimes, a lip or tongue tie can make latching difficult. These are common and treatable, so speak to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you’re concerned. Most often, though, it's all about adjusting your position. Let’s look at the top breastfeeding holds that can help.

The Top 7 Breastfeeding Positions

1. Laid-Back / Reclining Position (Baby-Led Attachment)

Ideal for: Relaxed feeding, letting baby follow their instincts, mums with strong milk flow

Lean back on a couch or bed, supported by pillows. Place your baby tummy-down on your chest and let them use their natural reflexes to find the nipple. Gravity helps hold them in place, and this position is great for skin-to-skin contact and bonding. It’s also a good one if you’re tired so you can get a rest at the same time!

2. Side-Lying Position

Ideal for: Night feeds, rest, tender nipples

Lie on your side with your baby facing you, belly-to-belly. You may need a rolled towel or pillow behind bub to keep them close. This position is perfect for middle-of-the-night feeds when sitting up feels impossible.

3. Cradle Hold

Ideal for: Everyday feeds, public breastfeeding, older babies

The most classic position. Your baby lies on their side, cradled in the crook of your arm, with their head at breast level and their body wrapped around your chest. Add a pillow under your elbow to bring bub up to breast height.

4. Cross-Cradle Hold

Ideal for: Newborns, guiding attachment, sore nipples

Similar to cradle hold but with extra control. You support your baby with the arm opposite the breast you’re feeding from, using your free hand to help shape the breast and guide a good latch. Once bub is attached, you can switch arms for more comfort.

5. Underarm / Football / Twin Hold

Ideal for: Caesarean recovery, twins, mums needing extra support

Tuck your baby under your arm like a football, with their head facing your breast and feet pointing behind you. Great for avoiding pressure on a healing belly and gives excellent control over positioning. Also works well with a nursing pillow.

6. Koala Hold / Upright or Straddle Hold

Ideal for: Reflux, fast let-down, older babies, tongue/lip ties

Your baby sits upright on your lap, straddling your thigh or with legs to either side. You support their back and head as they latch. This position keeps bub upright, which can reduce reflux and make swallowing easier. For newborns, add extra head and neck support.

Tips for Finding the Right Breastfeeding Position

Try different positions to see what feels best. What works today may change tomorrow.

Support your back and arms with cushions or pillows to prevent strain.

Keep baby close with their nose level to your nipple and body in alignment—head, neck, and spine in a straight line.

Watch your baby’s cues, not the clock. A good latch and active suckling matter more than minutes.

A Final Word for New Mums

Breastfeeding is a journey. The beginning can be tough, and that's okay. With time, practice, and the right support, it becomes second nature. Remember, you're not alone. If you're ever struggling, a lactation consultant can be a game changer.

And when you're in the thick of it- snuggled on the couch for what feels like the hundredth feed of the day- know this: it gets easier. The feeds get faster. The sleep stretches longer. And one day, you'll look back and miss those quiet, sacred moments with your little one nestled into your chest.

You’ve got this, mama. 💛