Positioning is one of those things that sounds simple but makes an enormous difference. The right hold can turn a painful, frustrating feeding into a comfortable one—sometimes instantly. The wrong position can make even a baby with a great latch struggle.
I walk new moms through these holds every day in my practice. Here are the four positions I recommend most often for newborns, with step-by-step instructions for each. Try them all and see which one clicks for you and your baby.
1. Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing)
This is my favorite starting position for brand-new babies, and it's the one I recommend trying first.
How to do it:
- Recline comfortably at about a 45-degree angle (a couch with pillows works great)
- Place baby tummy-down on your chest, between your breasts
- Let gravity keep baby against you—your hands just guide, they don't need to hold baby's full weight
- Baby will naturally bob their head and root toward the nipple
- When they find it, they'll often self-latch
Why it works: Gravity does the heavy lifting. Baby has full body contact with you, which is calming. Their natural reflexes guide them to the breast. And because you're reclined, there's less strain on your arms, shoulders, and back.
Best for: The first hours and days, moms recovering from C-sections (baby's weight isn't on your incision), moms with fast let-down (gravity slows the flow), and fussy babies who fight the breast in upright positions.
2. Cross-Cradle Hold
This is the most commonly taught position and gives you the most control over baby's latch.
How to do it:
- Sit upright with good back support and a pillow on your lap to bring baby to breast height
- If nursing on the right breast, hold baby with your LEFT arm. Your left hand supports baby's neck and shoulders (not the back of the head—let the head tip back slightly)
- Baby lies across your body, tummy to your tummy, in a straight line from ear to shoulder to hip
- Use your right hand to support your right breast (C-hold)
- Bring baby to breast when they open wide
Why it works: You have maximum control over both baby's head position and your breast. You can guide baby onto the breast precisely and see the latch clearly.
Best for: Learning to latch in the early weeks, small or premature babies, moms who need to shape the breast for a deeper latch. This is my go-to teaching position.
3. Football (Clutch) Hold
Don't let the name throw you—this is an incredibly useful position that many moms overlook.
How to do it:
- Sit upright with a firm pillow at your side
- Tuck baby under your arm on the same side as the breast you're using (like carrying a football)
- Baby's body runs along your forearm, legs pointing behind you
- Support baby's neck with your hand, facing the breast
- Use your opposite hand to support the breast
Why it works: Baby's body is out of the way of your abdomen, you have excellent visibility of the latch, and it gives you precise head control.
Best for: C-section recovery (no pressure on incision), moms with large breasts, twins (one baby on each side), babies who tend to pull their legs up and push off during feeding.
4. Side-Lying
This position is a lifesaver for night feedings and for any mom who is exhausted (which is all of them).
How to do it:
- Lie on your side with a pillow under your head and one between your knees
- Place baby on their side facing you, nose to nipple
- You can tuck a rolled blanket behind baby's back to keep them snug against you
- Offer the lower breast—baby should be able to latch without you lifting your body
- Use your top arm to hold baby close
Why it works: You can rest (or doze) while feeding. There's no weight to hold, no arms to support. It's sustainable for long feeding sessions.
Best for: Night feedings, moms recovering from birth, cluster feeding sessions when you've been nursing for hours, any time you need to lie down.
Safety note: Side-lying nursing should be done on a firm, flat mattress with no loose pillows or blankets near baby's face. If you tend to fall into deep sleep, have your partner nearby during the adjustment period.
Tips That Apply to Every Position
Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby. Hunching over to reach baby is the fastest path to back pain and a shallow latch.
Baby's ear, shoulder, and hip should be aligned. A twisted body means a twisted neck, which makes latching harder and feeding less efficient.
Support your breast if needed. In the early weeks, a C-hold or U-hold can help shape the breast for baby's mouth. You may not need this forever, but it helps while both of you are learning.
Switch sides each feeding. Start each feeding on the side you ended on last time (or the fuller side). This ensures both breasts get equal stimulation.
Get a good nursing pillow. A firm, supportive nursing pillow that brings baby to the right height is one of the best investments you can make. Your arms will thank you.
Finding Your Position
Most moms end up settling into one or two favorite positions. That's fine—you don't need to use all four. But knowing multiple holds gives you options when circumstances change: you're in a different chair, you're dealing with a clogged duct on one side, you're nursing in bed at 3am.
If you've been using one position and struggling, switching to a different hold is one of the first things I'd suggest trying. Sometimes the solution is that simple.