Breastfeeding positions can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, latch, and feeding success. Choosing the right nursing hold helps support both parent and baby, making feeds feel more comfortable and relaxed. Breastfeeding offers a special time for bonding, but finding the right position isn’t always simple. Fortunately, there are many ways to hold a baby while nursing. Each position brings unique benefits, from easing pressure after birth to supporting feeding for twins or soothing reflux. Exploring different holds can help find what feels right while supporting a calm, comfortable breastfeeding experience for both parent and baby.
Try different nursing holds with the help of Boppy’s versatile support pillows.
Why Lactation Positioning Matters
The way you hold your baby during breastfeeding, also called lactation positioning, can affect everything from your comfort to your baby’s latch and milk transfer. A good position helps prevent nipple pain, encourages your baby to feed effectively, and can even reduce issues like clogged ducts. Plus, proper support during feeds eases strain on your arms, shoulders, and back. Whether you're nursing a newborn or an older infant, adjusting your position can help make breastfeeding more successful and enjoyable.
Popular Nursing Positions
Every baby (and every parent) is unique, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nursing positions. Some holds offer more control, while others are better for rest or special situations like breastfeeding after a C-section or feeding twins. Here are six of the most common breastfeeding positions that can help you and your baby find comfort and success at every stage.
For additional nursing tips, check out our advice from a lactation consultant.
1. Breastfeeding Cradle Hold
This classic position is often what comes to mind when you think of breastfeeding. In the cradle hold, your baby rests on your forearm, their head nestled in the bend of your elbow, and their body turned fully toward you, belly to belly. Sit upright in a supportive chair with your feet flat on the floor, and use a Boppy nursing pillow to lift your baby to breast level to avoid leaning forward. Keep your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip aligned in a straight line. This cozy, natural option works well once your baby has established a good latch and can be a soothing, go-to position for daytime feeds.
2. Cross Cradle Hold
The cross cradle hold offers more control, especially helpful when you and your baby are still learning to latch. In this position, you support your baby’s head with the hand opposite the breast you’re feeding from. So if you’re nursing on the right, use your left hand and forearm to cradle your baby, and your right hand to support your breast. Sit upright with a nursing pillow across your lap to help lift baby up. Position your baby belly to belly with you, and gently guide their mouth to the breast when they open wide. This hold gives you a clearer view and better support for adjusting latch and positioning in real time.
3. Football Hold Breastfeeding
Also known as the clutch hold, the football position tucks your baby under your arm like holding a football, with their legs pointing back and their body snug against your side. Hold your baby’s head with your hand, supporting their neck and shoulders, while your forearm cradles their back. Use a firm nursing pillow at your side to help support your baby’s weight and lift them up to the breast. Keep your baby’s head at breast level and their body turned in toward you. This hold is great for parents recovering from a C-section, those with larger breasts, or when breastfeeding twins, as it keeps pressure off your abdomen and gives clear visibility of your baby’s latch.
4. Side Lying Breastfeeding
Perfect for nighttime feeds or when you need to rest, the side lying position lets you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Lie down with your lower arm tucked under your head or pillow and your upper hand free to guide your baby. Your baby should be positioned tummy to tummy with you, their nose level with your nipple. You may want to place a rolled towel behind your baby’s back to keep them stable. This relaxed position can be a lifesaver during late-night nursing sessions, for parents recovering from birth, or simply when you want to nurse in bed without sitting up.
5. Laid Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nursing)
In the laid-back position, you recline comfortably with your back supported at about a 45-degree angle, while your baby lies tummy down on your chest. Let your baby’s natural reflexes guide them - they’ll nuzzle, root, and latch with minimal help. Use pillows behind your back and under your arms to stay relaxed. Your baby’s head should be free to tip back slightly as they latch, and their body should be in full contact with yours, helping them feel secure. This position encourages instinctual feeding, helps babies manage fast milk flow, and can reduce feeding-related reflux. It’s especially soothing for newborns and parents looking to ease into breastfeeding gently.
6. Koala Hold Breastfeeding (Upright Nursing)
The koala hold keeps your baby sitting upright, straddling your thigh, hip, or while perched on your lap as they nurse. Hold your baby’s back and shoulders to keep them stable and aligned with your breast. This position works well with a nursing pillow or rolled blanket under your baby for extra support, especially for smaller infants. Keep your baby’s chin up and their nose clear while they latch. This upright position is great for older babies with stronger head control, for those with reflux, or for babies with feeding challenges like tongue tie. It also fosters eye contact and interaction while nursing, making feeds feel more connected and engaging.
Explore the Boppy Uplift™ - designed to support more comfortable feedings for babies with reflux.
Use a Nursing Pillow to Find the Best Breastfeeding Position
No matter which position you choose, using a nursing pillow can make feeds more comfortable for both you and your baby. A well-placed pillow lifts your baby to breast level, reduces strain on your arms and back, and helps keep you in an ergonomic position. Whether you’re trying the cradle hold, football hold, or koala hold, supportive pillows can help you feel more confident and relaxed during nursing sessions.
Boppy Uplift™ Nursing Pillow
The Boppy Uplift™ Nursing Pillow is designed to lift the baby’s head higher than their stomach, putting them in the recommended position for feeding. This elevation of the head positions the baby at an angle to help keep spit up down and reduce acid reflux symptoms. The pillow’s firm filling ensures that the baby will stay supported, so you can nurse with added confidence, even as the baby grows. With a wider opening and adjustable belt that extends 40% further than other belted nursing pillows, the Boppy Uplift™ fits more caregiver body types for a secure and comfortable fit.
New Boppy Nursing Pillow
The New Boppy Nursing Pillow offers improved, ergonomic support that brings the baby to breast height and helps maintain proper latch. Its updated design offers a wider opening to support every body type while offering flexibility across several feeding styles like cradle, cross-cradle, and football holds. Lightweight and versatile, this pillow reduces pressure on your arms and back during feeds while creating a cozy, supported space for baby.
Boppy Anywhere® Support Nursing Pillow
The Boppy Anywhere® Support Nursing Pillow provides compact, portable support, making it ideal for feeding sessions on the go or in smaller spaces. Its soft, supportive fill helps lift baby to breast height while keeping you comfortable wherever you nurse. Whether you’re trying side-lying at home or cradle hold while traveling, this pillow helps keep baby aligned for better latch and comfort.
Find What Feels Right for You and Your Baby
Breastfeeding is a journey, and finding the right position is part of the process. By trying different holds, using support tools like nursing pillows, and paying attention to your baby’s cues, you can discover what works best for you both. Ready to make feeding time more comfortable? Explore Boppy’s collection of nursing pillows and supports designed to help every parent-baby pair thrive.
Breastfeeding FAQs
How long should you breastfeed for?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for roughly 6 months. After the initial 6 months, continued breastfeeding is encouraged along with complementary foods until at least 12 months of age.
How can I get a good breastfeeding latch?
A good latch should feel comfortable and pain-free. To help the baby latch well, start by aligning their nose with your nipple so they can tilt their head back and open wide. Bring the baby to your breast when their mouth opens like a yawn, aiming for their lips to cover more of the areola with their lips flanged outward. If feeding feels pinchy or uncomfortable, gently break the latch and try again to ensure a deeper, more effective latch.
Is it okay to breastfeed in public?
Yes! Breastfeeding in public is both legal and supported in many places. Using a nursing cover or positioning pillow can make public breastfeeding more comfortable if you prefer added privacy.
Does breastfeeding hurt?
Breastfeeding may feel tender at first, but ongoing pain is a sign that something isn’t right, often due to poor latch or positioning. Trying different holds or getting help from a lactation consultant can make nursing more comfortable.
How do you breastfeed twins?
Many parents of twins use positions like the double football hold to nurse both babies at once. A supportive nursing pillow designed for twins can help make tandem feeding easier and more comfortable.