4 Breastfeeding Positions Every Parent Should Know

Written By Christine Koraiban

Finding the right breastfeeding position can make all the difference for both you and your baby. The right hold can improve latch, reduce discomfort, and make feeding sessions more relaxed. In this post, I’ll walk you through four of the most common breastfeeding positions — football hold, cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, and side-lying — along with tips for making each one work for you.

As a Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant in San Marcos, serving families across North County San Diego(Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, Encinitas, and nearby areas), I love helping parents discover the positions that feel most comfortable for their bodies and their babies.

1. The Football Hold

  • How it works: Your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their body along your side and their head supported near your breast.

  • Best for: Parents recovering from a C-section, those with larger breasts, multiples, or babies who are small or premature.

  • Tips: Use a pillow under your arm for support. Make sure your baby’s nose is level with your nipple and their body is turned fully toward you.

2. The Cradle Hold

  • How it works: Your baby rests across your chest with their head in the crook of your arm, and their body facing yours.

  • Best for: Older babies who already have a strong, effective latch, full term or larger babies, experienced breastfeeders.

  • Tips: Avoid hunching your shoulders — bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby.

3. The Cross-Cradle Hold

  • How it works: Similar to the cradle, but you use the opposite arm to support your baby’s head and neck, giving you more control.

  • Best for: Newborns who are still learning to latch, new breastfeeders, or babies with feeding difficulties (ie- low muscle tone or weak suck)

  • Tips: Support your baby’s neck with your hand (not the back of the head) so they can tilt back slightly for a deeper latch.

4. The Side-Lying Position

  • How it works: Both you and your baby lie on your sides, facing each other, with your baby’s nose level with your nipple.

  • Best for: Night feeds, resting while nursing, or parents recovering from birth.

  • Tips: Place a pillow behind your back and between your knees for comfort. Keep your baby’s body close and aligned (ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line).

Finding What Works for You

Every parent-baby pair is unique. You may find one position works best in the early weeks, and another feels easier as your baby grows. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust until you find what feels comfortable and effective.

If you’d like personalized support, I offer in-home visits across North County San Diego — including San Marcos, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and Encinitas — and virtual appointments throughout California.Together, we can find the positions and techniques that work best for you and your baby.

👉 Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today to learn how I can support your breastfeeding journey.

Christine Koraiban