Best Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• Breastfeeding does not always come naturally, but the right position makes a significant difference for both mother and baby.
• A good position supports proper latching, comfortable swallowing, and healthy weight gain, while reducing nipple pain and back strain for the mother.
• The five most effective breastfeeding positions are the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, side-lying position, and laidback position.
• Common challenges like nipple pain, engorgement, and a baby falling asleep during feeding are all solvable.
• If difficulties persist, a lactation specialist can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Supporting Your Infant When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be a natural process, but that does not mean it is instinctively effortless. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, around 45% of women in the United States wean earlier than they want to, and pain or difficulty with an infant’s latching are some of the most common underlying reasons.

We bet you’re eager to do this right and support your newborn, so we’ve rounded up advice that has stood the test of time since we began Almara Clinic in the 1950s. Our specialists have supported mothers across the Twin Cities through every stage of the feeding journey, from prenatal preparation through nursing and weaning, so we’ve seen (and demonstrated) a plethora of different breastfeeding positions.

This guide walks through the five most effective breastfeeding positions for newborns, how to get a good latch, and how to work through the most common challenges that come up in those early weeks.

Why Is It Important to Assume a Proper Breastfeeding Position?

We’ll preface this by saying that every mother-child dynamic is unique, so not all breastfeeding techniques work for everyone. What matters is finding one that supports both of you comfortably.

Here are the biggest benefits of finding a comfortable breastfeeding position:

For the Baby	For the Mother
Effective latching	Less nipple soreness or pain
Better milk transfer	No back or neck strain
Comfortable swallowing	Reduced possibility of clogged milk ducts
Appropriate weight gain	Efficient feeding

What Are the Basics of a Good Latch and Position?

Before going deeper into our guide to breastfeeding, here’s a look at the fundamentals:

Signs of a good latch:

• The baby’s mouth covers the nipple and most of the areola, not just the nipple tip
• The chin is touching the breast and lips are flanged outward
• Sucking and swallowing happen in a rhythmic, consistent pattern

General positioning principles:

• Bring the baby to your breast rather than leaning your breast toward the baby
• Use pillows to support your back, arms, and the baby’s body
• Keep the baby’s ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment throughout the feed

What Are the Best Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns?

We have been recommending these newborn breastfeeding positions to three generations of women at Almara:

Cradle Hold

Best for: Full-term babies and mothers who have already established breastfeeding.

The cradle hold promotes close skin-to-skin bonding and works well for feeding in public. Our patients also often tell us that they appreciate how intuitive it is.

Steps to follow:

• Sit in a bed or chair comfortably
• Hold the little one across your lap
• Use your arm’s crook to support their head
• Make sure the baby’s body is turned in your direction
• Help your baby to latch

Cross-Cradle Hold

Best for: Newborns who are small, premature, or having difficulty latching.

This breastfeeding position gives you more control over the baby’s head and tends to encourage a deeper latch, making it particularly useful in the first days of breastfeeding.

Steps to follow:

• Use the arm opposite the breast (engaged in feeding) to hold your baby
• With your hand, support their shoulders and neck
• Support your breast with the other hand
• Guide the mouth of your little one to your breast

Football Hold or the Clutch Hold

Best for: Mothers recovering from a cesarean section, those with larger breasts, or anyone feeding twins.

The football hold keeps the baby away from the abdomen, reducing pressure on a C-section incision, and gives a clear view of the latch.

Steps to follow:

• Sit comfortably and make sure your arm is supported by pillows
• Like a football, position the little one under your arm
• Offer support to their shoulders, back, and neck with your forearm
• Guide the baby towards your breast

Side-Lying Position

Best for: Night feeding and mothers recovering from birth who need more rest.

Using this specific breastfeeding position for your baby while lying down while feeding reduces strain on the back and shoulders and supports postpartum recovery.

Steps to follow:

• Lie on your side and make sure that your baby is facing you
• Keep your baby’s nose at the same level as your nipple
• Use a soft, rolled blanket or your arm to support the baby if required
• Encourage them to latch on for feeding

Laidback Position 

Best for: Women with small breasts and for the first immediate “golden hour” session.

This newborn breastfeeding position uses gravity to its advantage to encourage instinctive feeding behaviors. Many of the mothers we interact with also love how this position maximizes skin-to-skin contact.

Steps to follow:

• Settle comfortably in a reclining position and ensure your back is supported
• Place the little one on your chest, tummy down
• Let them naturally find your breast
• Help or guide as and when needed

How to Overcome Common Breastfeeding Challenges?

Besides experimenting with breastfeeding techniques to find the right one, here’s how you can navigate common challenges (alongside your newborn, of course!):

Challenge	Solution
Nipple pain	Try another position, check the latch, or talk to your healthcare provider
Baby falls asleep fast	Try breast compressions, gentle contact (skin-to-skin), or keep switching positions
Breast engorgement	Try the laidback or football hold position for better milk drainage

How to Maximize Success During Breastfeeding Sessions?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to increase your and your baby’s comfort during breastfeeding:

1. Prioritize Comfort: Get into a supportive position with pillows.
2. Note Hunger Cues: Is your baby smacking their lips, rooting, or making hand-to-mouth motions? They are possibly hungry. If your baby is crying, this could be a late sign of hunger and it may be more difficult for the baby to latch.
3. Aim for a Deep Latch: Before bringing your child towards the breast, make sure their mouth is open wide.
4. Monitor Feeding: Check whether the body language is relaxed and swallowing is rhythmic as feeding progresses.
5. Burp and Change Sides If Necessary: Feeding from both breasts (rather than just one) works better for some babies. Change sides if required and burp in between.

When Should You Seek Professional Support for Breastfeeding?

If your baby continues to struggle with latching, is not gaining weight as expected, or feeding remains consistently painful despite trying different positions, it may be time to consider professional support.

At Almara, our lactation specialist works with mothers across our Twin Cities locations from pre-birth preparation right through to nursing and weaning. Whether the question is about newborn breastfeeding positions, breast refusal, milk supply, storage, mastitis, or infant weight, we offer personalized, judgment-free guidance at every step.

Check out our support services or contact us for an appointment. Reach out at info@helloalmara.com.

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