Positioning Hold the baby close Tummy to tummy and nose opposite nipple Cross-cradle position Baby's natural head tilt Adjusting to a cradle hold Other positions Diagrams See also: Pictures and videos Back to the How to breastfeed page Hold the baby close This may mean having to remove some blankets, or bulky clothing. A baby will not get cold when held close to its mother's body. Back to top Tummy to tummy and nose opposite nipple If a mother can see her baby’s tummy button the baby is not turned sufficiently towards her to help them latch well. The best way to describe this is – tummy to tummy. Support the baby with their nose opposite the nipple - smelling the milk with help the baby to do all the right things with their mouth to achieve a latch Back to top Cross-cradle position It is often easier to start breastfeeding by holding the baby in the cross-cradle position. This means the baby’s head is supported with the mother's hand around the base of the neck. If a baby is going to feed on the left breast then hold them with the right arm supporting the baby’s body and the right hand around the base of the neck. The left hand thumb can be used to gently pull the nipple upwards so it is pointing towards the baby’s nose. Mothers with larger breasts can support their breast with the left hand but need to make sure all fingers are well away from the areola or the baby may not be able to latch if a finger is in the way. Back to top Baby's natural head tilt The positioning of the mother's hand is important as the baby has to be able put their head back slightly. Babies do this little head tilt by themselves as it helps them come to the breast with the chin first rather than being squashed into the breast with the nose and chin together. Therefore it is important for a mother to make sure her arm or hand is not behind the baby's head and preventing this physiological movement. Back to top Adjusting to a cradle hold Once a baby is latched well mothers can adjust their position to a cradle hold, to make it more comfortable, by releasing their hold with their left hand on their breast (unless it is very heavy and full – in which case they may need to support it during the feed*) and move their arm gently around the baby. Back to top Other positions Using a lying down position or the underarm (or rugby hold) can be useful for a mother who has had a caesarean birth. Once mother's become more confident with breastfeeding they can move from the cross-cradle position to a cradle position right from the beginning of the breastfeed. * The underarm or rugby position can be useful for a heavy breast as the weight is partially supported by the baby in this position. Back to top Diagrams View diagrams of breastfeeding positions on the Mayo Clinic website (www.mayoclinic.com): Cross-cradle hold Cradle hold Football hold Side-lying hold Back to top Back to the How to breastfeed page Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last updated: 31 July 2009