Whichever position you use, to be in the correct position for latching on, your baby should be ‘nose to nipple and tummy to tummy’
Cradling
- Hold your baby so they are lying on their side in your arms with their head in the crook of your arm and your baby’s tummy facing you
- If you need to lean over to get a better position, use a pillow on your lap to raise your baby up to your breast to prevent getting backache
- Use one hand to help support them and the other to move your breast to your baby
- They should turn their head towards your nipple, ready to latch on
Under your arm
- With their head to your breast, tuck their body and legs behind you through the crook of your arm
- Make sure they are lying on their back, with their nose to your nipple
- Use pillows to raise your baby closer to your breast if necessary
- Use your arm and hand to support your baby and the other hand to move your breast to your baby’s mouth
Lying on your side
- Lie your baby on their side so they are facing you
- Use your hand on their back to gently support your baby, keep them close
- Be careful not to fall asleep
To find out more about different positions for breastfeeding:
Click here to watch our video or
Click here to read our helpsheet