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10 Best Breastfeeding Positions

Linsey Gold • Aug 18, 2022

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, and it offers a range of health benefits for both mom and child. But finding the right breastfeeding position can be tricky, especially in the early weeks after giving birth.


Here are a few breastfeeding positions, each one designed to make nursing easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby.



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Feed Your Baby: The Different Breastfeeding Positions


Preparing to Feed Your Baby

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to provide your baby with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. However, it can take a little bit of preparation to get started.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready to breastfeed:

  • Get acquainted with your breasts: You'll want to become familiar with your nipples and how they respond to stimulation. When you're ready to start breastfeeding, gently stroke or roll your nipples between your thumb and forefinger until they become erect. This will help your baby latch on more easily.
  • Talk to a health professional about any medications you are taking: Some medications can pass into your breast milk and may not be safe for your baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about any concerns you have.
  • Make sure that you have everything you need: You will need a comfortable place to sit or recline, a breastfeeding pillow for support, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. It's also helpful to have a burp cloth or nursing cover on hand.
  • Try to relax: The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for your baby to latch on!

Different Breastfeeding Positions

Once you're ready to start breastfeeding, there are a few different positions that you can try:

Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most popular breastfeeding positions. It is great for breastfeeding mothers who are just starting out, as it is relatively simple to learn and can be easily mastered with a little practice.

To assume the position:

  • Sit in a comfortable chair with your baby cradled in one arm, facing you. Pillows can be used to support your back and arms, and your baby's head should be level with your breast.
  • Once you are settled, you can then bring your baby's mouth to your breast.
  • You may use your free hand to support your breast or help guide your baby's head.

Pro Tip: You may need to adjust your position slightly to find the most comfortable and effective positioning for you and your baby. Some mothers find that leaning forward slightly helps their baby to latch on more easily.

Cross-Cradle Hold

The cross-cradle position is similar to the cradle hold, but you'll use the opposite arm to support your baby. This position can give your baby good control of the nipple, and can be helpful if your baby has trouble latching on. You may also use this position to burp your baby easily!

The crossover hold is great for newborns and young babies, as it gives you a good view of your baby's nose and mouth to ensure they are positioned correctly. It also gives your baby a good view of your face and easy access to your breast.

To do the cross-cradle hold:

  • Start by holding your baby in the crook of your arm opposite the breast you plan to feed from--right arm for left breast, and left arm for right breast.
  • Bring your baby's head close to your breast, using your hand to guide and support your baby's neck and head.
  • Once they are latched on, you can gently adjust their position until they are comfortable. You can also use a pillow to support your arm and baby.

Side-Lying Position

The side-lying position is a great way to breastfeed your baby, especially if you are tired or have back pain, as it allows you to relax while you're breastfeeding. It also doesn't put as much pressure on your back as other positions.

Additionally, the side-lying is a good position if you are recovering from a C-section or other abdominal surgery.

To nurse in the side-lying position:

  • Simply lie on your side with your baby facing you. You can prop yourself up on a pillow if needed.
  • If your baby is small, you may need to put a pillow under his head to raise it to the level of your breast.
  • Once you are comfortable, guide your baby to your breast and allow him to latch on.
  • You may find it helpful to use a nursing pillow to support your arm and baby during feeding.

Reclining or Biological Nursing or Laid-Back Breastfeeding Position

The reclining or biological nursing position is when the baby is positioned upright on your chest. You can breastfeed in this position whether you are sitting in a chair or lying down on a bed.

There are several benefits to this position for both the mother and the baby. For the mother, it can be helpful if you are dealing with any jaw or neck pain. For the baby, this position allows gravity to work in their favor, making it easier for him or her to latch on and drink. They can also see the mother's face, which can be reassuring.

To get into the laid-back position:

  • Start by situating yourself so that you are leaning back against a support, such as a pillow.
  • Then, bring baby up to your breast, supporting his or her head with your hand. Your baby should be able to latch on easily in this position.

Clutch Hold or Football Position

The football breastfeeding position gets its name from the way that the baby resembles a football when they are positioned in this way. This is especially helpful if you have a larger chest, as it helps to support your breasts and keeps the baby from getting lost underneath them.

To get into the clutch hold:

  • Simply place a pillow under your arm and tuck it under your breast.
  • Then, bring your baby close to your body and support their head with your hand.

Football Hold for Twins

Twin mothers often face unique challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. Not only do they have to worry about maintaining a decent milk supply, but they also have to contend with the logistics of nursing two babies at the same time.

Fortunately, the football position not only allows you to nurse both babies simultaneously--it also helps to keep them calm and content.

To do this:

  • Simply place one baby on each side of your body and support their heads with your hands.
  • Then, use your arms to "hug" the babies close to your body.
  • Bring their head close to your breast and let them latch on, supporting their head and neck with your hand.

Upright Breastfeeding or Koala Hold

In this position, the mother sits upright with her baby in her lap, facing her. The baby's head is supported by the mother's hand, and the baby's body is positioned so that it is leaning against the mother's chest. This position allows the baby to latch on easily and also provides good support for the mother's back and arm.

To get started:

  • Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your back well-supported, feet flat on the ground, and baby cradled in one arm.
  • Bring your baby close to your chest and support their head with your hand, while using your other hand to support baby's bottom.
  • Once baby is latched on, you can gently lean back and recline against the chair.

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Dangle Feeding

Dangle-feeding is when you lay your baby down on their back and dangle your breasts over them to feed. This position is helpful because gravity will help to move the clogged milk out of your breast. Additionally, it can also help to increase your milk flow.

To get started:

  • Place your baby on their back on a flat surface, such as a blanket.
  • Lean over your baby or get on all fours, and offer your breast. Position yourself so that one breast is hanging over baby's head, with the nipple pointing down.
  • Gently guide baby's head to your breast and allow them to latch on.
  • Once they are latched on securely, you can relax and let them feed.

Nursing in a Sling

This position is useful when you are trying to nurse in a public place. By keeping your baby close to your body, you can help to discreetly feed your little one.

Furthermore, this position provides plenty of support for both you and your baby, and it gives you the freedom to move around and adjust as needed.

To nurse in a sling:

  • Simply put your baby in a sling, and then position the sling so that the baby is lying down with his or her head near your breast.
  • Adjust the fabric so that your baby is securely in place, then position yourself so that you are comfortable.
  • Once you and your baby are settled, you can begin nursing. If you need to adjust the position of the sling, simply loosen the fabric and reposition as needed.

Dancer Hand Nursing Position

Mothers with babies who have weak muscles will find this position to be helpful. This is because the “dancer hand” position places the weight of your breast off the baby’s chin, and it helps them to keep their head steady while feeding.

To nurse in the dancer hand nursing position:

  • Use a C-hold to help support your breast. Place your thumb on top of your breast and your four fingers underneath.
  • Then, slide your hand which supports your breast forward. Your breast must now be supported with your three fingers rather than four. You should now be able to freely move your thumb and index finger.
  • Bend your index finger just enough to gently hold one side of your baby's cheek with your thumb holding the other cheek.
  • Your thumb and index finger should make a "U" form. Your baby's head should rest in the center of the "U," with the chin on the bottom of it.

Proper Latch vs. Poor Latch

It's important to distinguish between a proper latch and a poor latch because a poor latch can lead to inefficient breastfeeding, which can cause a number of problems.

A proper latch is deep, with the baby taking in a large amount of areola. You should hear your baby swallow regularly while they are nursing.

A poor latch, on the other hand, is shallow. This means that the baby only takes in the nipple, which can lead to sore nipples and low milk supply.

If you think your baby has a poor latch, try repositioning them and see if that helps. If not, speak with a lactation consultant or your doctor for further assistance.

How to Position Baby for a Good Latch

A good latch is essential for successful breastfeeding, so it's important to take the time to position your baby correctly. Here are a few tips:

  • Bring your baby close to your body. Make sure your baby's chin is touching your breast. This will help to tilt the lower jaw forward and make it easier for your baby to open wide. You may need to adjust your position so that they're not leaning too far forward or backward.
  • Once they're in position, gently tickle their lips with your nipple until your baby opens their mouth wide. Then, quickly bring them closer and guide their mouth onto your nipple and areola (the dark area around the nipple).
  • If you see cracks or redness around the nipple, it means they're not latched on correctly and you'll need to adjust their position.

Signs of a Proper Latch

There are a few key signs that indicate your baby is latched on correctly:

  • Your baby's lips will be flanged out, not pursed in or rolled under.
  • You should see more of the areola above their top lip than below their bottom lip.
  • They should be sucking rhythmically, not making clicking noises.
  • There shouldn't be any pain while they're nursing.

Unlatching Your Baby

Once your baby is finished nursing, you'll need to unlatch them from your breast.

To do this, insert your finger into the corner of their mouth and break the suction. You can then bring them away from your body and burp them if needed.

Final Thoughts

The best breastfeeding position is the one that is most comfortable for you and your child. There are a variety of breastfeeding positions that you can try, so experiment until you find the one that works best for you. And remember, if you're having trouble breastfeeding, seek help from lactation consultants. They can offer guidance and support to make the process easier for you and your baby.

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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it can occur in any part of the breast. There are many different breast cancer types, but all of them start with abnormal cells that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby breast tissue, including the lymph nodes under your arm, which is why it’s important to get regular mammograms and checkups. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the eight different breast cancer types. We hope this information will help you become more aware of the various types of breast cancer and their potential risks. RELATED: Breast Cancer And Exercise: The Role Of Physical Activity In Women With Breast Cancer 8 Breast Cancer Types Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma The most common type of breast cancer, ductal or lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast ducts or the lobules. This type of cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, and it's usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma or Stage 0 Breast Cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ is a pre-invasive or non-invasive breast cancer. This means that there are abnormal cells in the lining of the milk duct, and they haven't spread outside of the duct. In most cases, DCIS is found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it's still considered cancer and should be treated as such. Left untreated, DCIS may develop into an invasive breast cancer, which can be much more serious. This is why many doctors recommend treatment for DCIS even though it's a noninvasive cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for DCIS. The type of surgery depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread within the ducts. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining breast cancer cells. Invasive Breast Cancer or Infiltrating Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a more serious type because it has spread outside the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Once the invasive breast tumors spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs, they become metastatic breast cancer. While early-stage invasive breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, advanced stages of the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a lump or thickening in the breast bloody discharge from the nipple changes in the size or shape of the breast skin dimpling pain Treatment options for invasive breast cancer typically involve surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue, as well as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. With early detection and proper treatment, most women with invasive breast cancer can go on to lead long, healthy lives. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are: a. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Invasive ductal carcinomas are the most common breast cancer type, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. It begins in the milk ducts, but quickly spreads beyond ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue. Although ductal carcinoma can occur in any part of the breast, it most commonly affects the upper outer quadrant. It can occur in any age group, but is more often diagnosed in post-menopausal women. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer. b. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) ILC is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancer types, which typically first form in the milk ducts, lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) Invasive lobular breast cancer is often harder to detect on mammograms than other breast cancer types, so it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While it can occur in women of any age, ILC is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Apart from these two most common types, there are other rare breast cancers that are sub-types of invasive breast cancer. These breast cancers have cells with unique characteristics: Medullary carcinoma: This type is characterized by the presence of large cancer cells and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of breast cancer. Tubular carcinoma: Under a microscope, breast cancer cells from a tubular carcinoma look like tubes. This type makes up about 2% of all breast cancers. Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma: This cancer looks very different from other types of breast cancer because it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a jelly-like substance that's normally found in small amounts in mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Papillary carcinoma: This is characterized by long and thin tumors, similar in appearance to finger-like growths. It's usually found in older women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. However, it can also occur in other tissues, such as the breast. It's characterized by the presence of two different types of cells--luminal and basaloid. Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare variant of metaplastic breast cancer that's characterized by both glandular and squamous differentiation. Some subtypes of breast cancer have the same or even worse prognoses than invasive carcinoma, including: Mixed carcinoma: The prognosis of mixed carcinoma of the breast is quite good, with an average of eight-year disease-free survival. Metaplastic breast cancer: The five-year survival rate for this type is around 63%. Micropapillary carcinoma: This type is usually associated with a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, but can be successfully treated in some cases. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer This is a type of breast cancer that's characterized by an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. This protein is found on the surface of healthy cells, and it helps to regulate cell growth. However, in HER2-positive breast cancer, the protein is produced in excess, causing the cells to grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) TNBC is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that's named "triple negative" because it's characterized by the lack of receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptor progesterone receptor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) This means that the tumor cells aren't sensitive to hormone therapy, making it difficult to treat. They also tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple negative breast cancers are typically diagnosed at a younger age and have a higher risk of recurrence . RELATED: How To Improve Breast Health Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of locally advanced breast cancer, meaning that it has already progressed locally but has not yet spread through the lymph nodes or outside the breast. IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases and typically occurs in younger women and in African American women. Symptoms can include: redness swelling warmth in the affected breast inverted nipple discharge from the nipple IBC is often mistaken for a breast infection, which can delay treatment and result in the cancer spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Less Common Types of Breast Cancers Some types of breast cancer are less common than others. This doesn't mean they're any less serious, but it does mean that they may not be as well-known. Here are three less common types of breast cancer: Paget's Disease of the Breast Paget disease is a rare form of cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). The disease gets its name from Sir James Paget, the doctor who first described it in 1874. Common symptoms include:  a rash or crusting around the nipple itching burning pain Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the skin, breast, or liver. Angiosarcoma is rare, and it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognosis for angiosarcoma is generally poor, but it varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and treatment, some patients are able to achieve long-term remission. Phyllodes Tumor A phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that arises from the breast's connective tissue, specifically the stroma. Its name comes from the Greek word "phyllodes," meaning "leaf-like." Phyllodes tumors tend to be large and bulky, and they can grow quickly. They're usually benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Final Thoughts Breast cancer comes in many different forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or race. 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