Breastfeeding Positions and Latch-On

Good Positioning and "Latch-On"

For successful, comfortable nursing it is important to hold the baby’s body in a proper position. It is also crucial that your baby’s mouth is well “latched-on” to your nipple.

Breastfeeding Positions

There are a number of good breastfeeding positions. You may try a few of them to see which is most comfortable. Descriptions of four popular positions are described here. Many mothers find the crosscradle and clutch or "football" positions to be easiest with a newborn since these two positions give mothers the most control over their babies’ heads.

The side-lying position can also be quite comfortable and restful, though some mothers find it easier after their baby has grown and gained some head control. Side-lying and the clutch positions are often suggested for mothers who have had Cesarean birth because the baby does not have to lie against the mother’s stitches.

To prepare for a nursing session, start by bringing the baby’s body level with your breast and supporting your baby with a firm household pillow. Your nipple should be in alignment with the baby’s nose. Your hands and arms should not be supporting the baby’s weight, but rather guiding the baby’s head. Many new mothers find it helpful to use a nursing pillow, particularly one that fastens around the mother’s back. A nursing pillow should be relatively firm because it helps keep their baby up and close to your breast. Without a pillow, gravity can slowly pull the baby away during the course of feeding. This can result in the baby sucking on the end of the nipple, which will eventually cause nipple pain and damage. Nursing pillows are available through lactation consultants and baby stores.

When using any of the following positions, use one hand to hold the base of your baby’s head. The palm of your hand should support the baby’s neck and upper back, with your thumb and index finger on either side resting under each ear. If you place your hand or fingers higher up on the back of the baby’s head, you will trigger a newborn reflex that encourages your baby to turn toward the direction of the touch of your fingers and away from your breast. For the same reason, try not to touch your baby’s face while nursing. If you touch your baby’s cheek, for example, the baby will turn to the side where she or he was touched rather than stay focused on the nipple. In addition, position the baby so that the baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line. This allows the baby to lie comfortably and not turn or twist to reach the breast.