Breastfeeding positions

Basic breastfeeding positions

Whichever position mum wishes to breastfeed in, she needs to make sure she’s in the correct position for latching-on. This is often described as ‘nose to nipple and tummy to tummy’

Position 1 - Cradling her baby

• Once mum is sitting comfortably, ask her to hold her baby so they are lying on their side facing her, with their head in the crook of her arm and their tummy facing hers
• If mum needs to lean over to reach her baby, suggest she places a pillow on her lap to help raise her baby to her breast and prevent her getting backache
• Mum should place one hand on her baby’s side for support, and use her other hand to move her breast to her baby’s mouth
• The baby should then turn their head towards her nipple, ready to latch on

Position 2 - Under her arm

• Once mum is sitting comfortably, with her baby’s head to her breast, ask her to tuck her baby’s body and legs behind her through the crook of her arm
• Her baby should be lying on their back, with their nose to her nipple
• If mum needs to lean over to reach her baby, she can use pillows to raise her baby closer to her breast and prevent her getting backache
• Mum should use one hand to support her baby and the other to move her breast to her baby’s mouth

Position 3 - Lying on her side

• Mum should lie on her side, with her baby lying on their side opposite her so they are facing her
• She should place her hand on her baby’s back to gently support them and keep them close

• It’s important that mum takes care not to fall asleep in this position

For advice on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risk of cot death visit the Department of Health website.