Choosing the Right Breastfeeding Position: A Guide to Comfort and Success

At MyBelly, we understand that the breastfeeding period is a unique and intimate journey for you and your baby. It is a time filled with new experiences, close bonds, and for some, also many questions. One of the most common topics that arises is the choice of nursing positions. The right nursing position can make a big difference for both your comfort and your baby's ability to feed effectively. It's about finding the position that feels most natural and supportive for both of you.

We believe in equipping you with knowledge and tools so you can embrace motherhood with confidence and joy. That's why we've compiled this guide to various nursing positions that can help you find peace and success in breastfeeding.

Why is the right nursing position important?

A good nursing position is more than just a practical detail; it is crucial for successful breastfeeding. When your baby is positioned correctly at the breast, it can prevent many of the challenges that new mothers often experience. A poor position can lead to sore nipples, insufficient milk production, and frustration for both mother and baby.

An optimal nursing position ensures that your baby gets a good and deep latch on the breast, which is essential for effective breast emptying. This stimulates milk production and reduces the risk of breast engorgement and mastitis. Furthermore, a comfortable position allows you to relax during breastfeeding, which helps release oxytocin – a hormone that promotes the let-down reflex and strengthens your bond. We strive to support you in self-care and embracing your strength and vulnerability on your journey to and through motherhood.

The most popular nursing positions

There are many different nursing positions, and what works for one mother and baby may not be the best for another. The most important thing is to experiment and find out what feels right for you. Here are some of the most popular and effective nursing positions:

1. Laid-back nursing position (biological nursing)

This position is often a favorite among new mothers and is widely recommended by midwives. Here, you lean back in a semi-reclined position, for example, on a sofa or a bed, and let your baby lie on your stomach, tummy-to-tummy with you. Gravity helps your baby find the breast and get a good latch. It provides natural skin-to-skin contact and promotes the baby's instinctive nursing reflex.

• Advantages of the laid-back nursing position: Encourages the baby to seek the breast independently, less strain on your back and shoulders, good for babies who have difficulty latching, excellent for relaxation and bonding.

2. The classic cradle hold

In the classic cradle hold, you hold your baby close to you with the baby's head in the crook of your elbow. Your baby's body rests against your stomach, and you support the baby's back and bottom with your arm. Make sure the baby's mouth is aligned with the nipple to avoid awkward angles. This position is good for establishing eye contact and creating a close connection.

• Advantages of the cradle hold: Easy to learn and very intuitive, provides good opportunity for eye contact, can be used almost anywhere.

3. Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle hold is similar to the cradle hold, but here you hold your baby with the arm opposite to the breast your baby is feeding from. Your hand supports the baby's head and neck, giving you better control over the head's position. This nursing position is especially good if your baby has difficulty getting a good latch, or if you have a small baby, as you can precisely control the head.

• Advantages of the cross-cradle hold: Optimal control over the baby's head, good for babies with feeding difficulties, can be useful for premature babies.

4. Rugby hold (football hold)

In the rugby hold, you position your baby under your arm, as if you were holding a football. Your baby lies with their body along your side, and their feet point backwards. You support the baby's head and neck with your hand. This position is often good for mothers who have had a cesarean section, as it avoids pressure on the abdomen. It is also effective if you have large breasts, or if your baby has a strong sucking reflex.

• Advantages of the rugby hold: Good after a cesarean section or for breast engorgement, provides a good view of the baby's face, effective for emptying the outer parts of the breast, can be used for twin feeding.

5. Lying down nursing position

Lying down to breastfeed is a lifesaver for many tired mothers, especially at night. You lie on your side with your baby lying close to you, tummy-to-tummy. Make sure your baby's mouth is aligned with your nipple. You can use pillows for support under your head, back, or between your legs to ensure you are comfortable. It is also a good nursing position if you are sore after childbirth.

• Advantages of the lying down nursing position: Ideal for night feeding and rest, relieves strain on arms and back, good for mothers recovering after childbirth.

6. Refreshing nursing positions: Quick overview

To make it easier to find the right nursing position, we have compiled a brief overview:

Nursing Position	Description	Best for
Laid-back	Semi-reclined, baby on stomach	Natural breastfeeding, bonding
Cradle hold	Baby in elbow crook, close contact	Newborns, eye contact
Cross-cradle hold	Baby in opposite arm, hand at head	Precise control, feeding difficulties
Rugby hold	Baby under arm, along side	Cesarean section, large breasts
Lying down nursing	Mother and baby on side	Night feeding, postpartum rest

Tips for a successful breastfeeding experience

In addition to the various nursing positions, there are a few general tips that can help you on your breastfeeding journey:

• Find comfort: Use pillows to support yourself and your baby, regardless of the nursing position you choose. A nursing pillow can be a fantastic investment for both your back and comfort.

• Good latch: Ensure your baby gets a deep and wide latch on the breast. Lips should be flared out, and a large part of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) should be in the baby's mouth.

• Be patient: Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. It takes time to find your rhythm, so be patient with yourselves.

• Seek help: If you experience pain or have questions, do not hesitate to contact a health visitor or lactation consultant. We also recommend watching our live session with lactation consultant Lone Liisberg on our blog.

• Hydration and nutrition: Remember to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food when breastfeeding. Your body is working hard, and you need energy.

Our suggestions for support during your breastfeeding period

At MyBelly, we specialize in creating clothing that supports your changing body throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our nursing line products are designed with the utmost care to provide you with the comfort and functionality you deserve while nursing. We know it's important to feel comfortable, no matter which nursing position you prefer.

Our selection includes nursing sports bras, perfect for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle or simply desire extra support and comfort in everyday life. For example, our Nursing Sports Bra, which many mothers have praised for its functionality and comfort. These are designed to make breastfeeding easy and discreet, giving you the freedom to move without restrictions.

Are you looking for swimwear that also works for nursing? Our Mami Swimsuit and Nursing Bikini Top are perfect for a trip to the swimming pool or the beach. They help you maintain your active lifestyle even during the breastfeeding period.

Our products are available in sizes from S to XXL, so there's something for every body type. You can view our entire nursing collection in our nursing collection here.

How MyBelly supports you

We believe in empowering women to prioritize self-care and embrace their strength, vulnerability, and authenticity throughout their journey to and through motherhood. Our products are designed to give you confidence and comfort, so you can focus on what truly matters: your baby and yourself.

Frequently asked questions about nursing positions

How many nursing positions are there?

There are countless nursing positions and variations, as it's about finding the position that is most comfortable for each mother and baby. However, the most recognized and used are about 5-7 basic nursing positions, which we have described in this guide.

How do I know if my nursing position is correct?

A good nursing position is correct when it feels comfortable for you and your baby has a deep and effective latch on the breast. Signs of a good latch include wide open lips, a large part of the areola in the baby's mouth, and you not experiencing pain. You can hear and see the baby swallowing, and after nursing, your breast will feel softer.

Which nursing position is best after a cesarean section?

After a cesarean section, the rugby hold is often recommended as it avoids pressure on your incision. The lying down nursing position can also be a good option, as you can rest while nursing without straining your abdominal area.

Can twins be nursed in different positions simultaneously?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to nurse twins simultaneously in different nursing positions. The rugby hold is a popular method where you can have one baby under each arm. Another option is to use the classic cradle hold for one baby and the rugby hold for the other. It often requires a bit of practice and many pillows to find the most comfortable setup.

How do I find the best nursing position for my baby?

The best nursing position is the one that suits you and your baby best. Start by trying the basic nursing positions. Pay attention to your baby's signals and your own comfort. You can experiment with different pillows and support, and remember that a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and help you find the perfect nursing position.

We hope this guide has given you valuable insight into nursing positions and helped you on your breastfeeding journey. At MyBelly, we are here to support you with comfortable and functional clothing that makes your nursing period as comfortable as possible.