How to find your breastfeeding position?

Cradle, koala or rugby hold? There’s a name for each position and a position for each mum! All have been tested by millions of generations of mothers to breastfeed their babies. Now it's your turn to try them out and choose the one that suits you best. Just keep in mind that it should be as comfortable as possible. Here’s a few guidelines:

How to breastfeed

In theory, breastfeeding sounds simple: the idea is that the little wonder you’ve just given birth to feeds on your breast. In practice, however, the moves it requires can be a little more disconcerting. How should you hold your baby? Can you lie down? Can you use a cushion? Obviously, there’s no right or wrong answer. The idea is that your breastfeeding position should be as comfortable for you as it is for your little one, and that your baby latches on properly.

Whichever position you choose, a good latch will prevent the formation of painful cracks and ensure that your baby is feeding properly. Here’s how to: Position your baby close to you with mouth and nose facing your nipple, and make sure his head is tilted back. Then let him open his mouth wide and grab the breast on his own. Check that he latches on to your entire areola and not just the nipple.

The good news about breastfeeding positions is that there’s a real host of them, tested and trusted by generations of mothers.

Pick and choose!

Laid-back breastfeeding or biological nurturing

Aptly named, the natural position is usually the most instinctive one. Lean back comfortably on a back support, with a pillow, in a more or less lying-down position. Then place your baby on your breast and let him latch on, while you support the back of his head. The way your baby positions himself doesn’t really matter. A perfect position stroke baby’s little back!

The cradle position

Here's the idea of the cradle position: your baby's body is wrapped around yours and his head rests in the crook of your elbow. Lean back to be more stable and so that your baby’s weight is on you. Make sure the whole front of his body touches the front of your body. You can use one or more cushions to prop up. Check that your baby is supported, and that his feet also find a fulcrum.

A must-try position: sitting on an armchair with your feet raised!

The cross-cradle position

Support your baby with your left forearm if he is breastfeeding on the right breast, and vice versa. Lean back slightly to let your baby's weight rest on you. Support his neck and shoulders, rather than supporting the back of his head. Use a nursing pillow for optimum comfort.

Side-lying position

Lie comfortably on your side with your baby facing you, and fold up your top leg for stability. Place your baby's nose in front of your nipple and bring up his feet and bottom so he’s cradled up. Your baby’s tummy should be pressed against your body and his face should be facing your breast. Again, a nursing pillow will be a good ally here.

The rugby ball position

If you’re recovering from a Caesarean birth or if you have very heavy breasts, the rugby ball position will suit you best: it avoids resting all the baby's weight on your stomach. With your elbow bent, lie your baby next to you and hold him at waist level. Support his head with your hand and use it to guide him towards your breast. This is where rugby comes in: your baby’s back will rest on your forearm, as if you were holding a rugby ball. Support your breast with your other hand in a U-shape. You’re all set for the match!

The koala or upright position

This position is recommended for premature babies - its mere name makes you want to try it, doesn't it? Position your baby in front of you, straddling your knee, with his legs are wrapped around your waist. Support him with one arm on the nursing side of the breast, while your opposite arm supports your breast, like in the rugby ball position.

What if you have twins?

At first, it will be easier to breastfeed each baby separately, in your favourite position. But once you're comfortable with it you can try to double it, with two options:

Double-cradle hold

Place your babies in each of your elbows, with their bodies crisscrossed on your knees. Again, a nursing pillow will be a great bonus here.

Double-rugby position

Place each of your babies on a pillow along both your sides, under your arms. Your hands can easily stroke both their heads at the same time.

Breastfeeding is quite an adventure, so don’t be discouraged if everything doesn't work out right the first time around. And it's just as normal to ask yourself a thousand questions at this point.

And if you've found an even more acrobatic position, and everything’s running smoothly, don't change a thing: you've found what suits you both, well done!