How to Perfect Your Breastfeeding Latch with 5 Tried and Tested Positions

Welcome to this guide, Mama! As a new mom, you must be looking for ways to make breastfeeding easier for both yourself and your baby. One of the most important steps towards achieving that is getting the perfect latch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five tried and tested positions that will help you perfect your breastfeeding latch.

Cradle Hold 🤱

The cradle hold is one of the most common positions used for breastfeeding. In this position, you’ll hold your baby’s head in the crook of your arm while they lay on their side, facing you. You’ll use the same arm to support your breast and help guide it into your baby’s mouth.

How to do it

1. Sit in a comfortable chair with armrests and pillows behind your back for support
2. Hold your baby with one arm, pillow under your free arm for support
3. Bring your baby towards your breast
4. Hold your baby’s head with your hand, gently guiding them to your nipple
5. Wait for your baby to open their mouth and take in as much of your nipple and surrounding areola as possible

Football Hold 🏈

The football hold is a great position for moms who had a C-section or have a larger bust. In this position, you’ll hold your baby like a football, facing towards you, and tuck them under your arm.

How to do it

1. Sit in a comfortable chair with armrests and pillows behind your back for support
2. Hold your baby on your side with their legs pointing towards your back
3. Tuck your baby under the arm of the same side you’re feeding from
4. Use the opposite hand to hold your breast and guide it towards your baby’s mouth
5. Wait for your baby to open their mouth and take in as much of your nipple and surrounding areola as possible

Side-Lying Position 🛌

The side-lying position is perfect for moms who want to breastfeed while lying down. This position is also great for moms who have had a C-section or are recovering from birth.

How to do it

1. Lie on your side with pillows behind your back for support
2. Hold your baby on their side, facing you
3. Use your opposite free hand to guide your breast into your baby’s mouth
4. Wait for your baby to open their mouth and take in as much of your nipple and surrounding areola as possible

Cross-Cradle Hold ✝️

Cross-cradle hold is an excellent position for moms who need more support in guiding their baby and breast into the right position. In this position, you’ll hold your baby on the opposite side to the breast you’re feeding from.

How to do it

1. Sit in a comfortable chair with armrests and pillows behind your back for support
2. Hold your baby on the opposite hand to the breast you’re feeding from
3. Use your opposite hand to guide your breast into your baby’s mouth
4. Wait for your baby to open their mouth and take in as much of your nipple and surrounding areola as possible

Laid-Back Position 🪑

The laid-back position is where you can relax and let your baby do the work for you. For this position, you’ll lay back on pillows at a slightly reclined angle with your baby on your chest.

How to do it

1. Lay back on a comfortable surface with pillows behind your back and under your head
2. Place your baby on your chest, facing you
3. Wait for your baby to move towards your nipple and take in as much of your nipple and surrounding areola as possible

Conclusion

Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, but with the right technique, you can achieve a perfect latch, making it easier and less painful for you and your baby. The key is to find the position that works best for you and your baby. Try out each position and see which one suits you both the best.

Remember to always seek support from a lactation consultant, doctor or midwife if you’re struggling. You can also reach out to other moms in support groups online or offline. Good luck, Mama, you’ve got this!