4 breastfeeding positions to help achieve a good latch

6 min. read

While breastfeeding is a natural part of motherhood, it can require practice, patience and a little advance preparation. And if you do opt to breastfeed your baby, don’t be discouraged if you run into the common challenge of achieving a good breastfeeding latch.

The breastfeeding latch is one of the most common feeding concerns for new mums, and understandably so; it’s important that your baby latches properly during feedings to ensure that they are getting enough breast milk. A proper breastfeeding latch is also important to help you avoid breast discomfort and sore nipples.

One of the best ways to get your baby to latch is to find a breastfeeding position that works for both you and your little one. Here we will discuss the different nursing positions and other tips to help you achieve a correct breastfeeding latch.
Bear in mind that our articles aren’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any remaining questions or concerns, contact your doctor or a lactation specialist for further support.

How to latch a baby

Before we discuss the different breastfeeding positions, there are a few steps you can follow that may help your baby to latch during feedings:

Hold your baby skin-to-skin. Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your baby. Help trigger your newborn’s feeding instincts by cuddling them against your bare chest in only a nappy.¹
Allow your baby to take the lead. Eventually, you will learn to read your baby’s individual hunger signs. Your baby may become restless, start murmuring or suck on their hands to indicate that they are ready to eat.¹
Try not to force it. You will want to give your baby adequate support to find your breasts, but try not to force your nipple into their mouth.
Protect sore nipples. If your nipples are sore or cracked, try using some soft, ultra-thin nipple shields to help relieve your nipples from any pain while still allowing for natural mother-baby bonding.

Popular breastfeeding positions to achieve a good latch
When you’re learning how to get baby to latch, it’s important to establish a breastfeeding position that works for both you and your baby. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions until you find one that makes you feel comfortable and helps your baby achieve a good latch.

Here are some common positions that can help you and your baby achieve a proper breastfeeding latch:²

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Popular breastfeeding positions to achieve a good latch

When you’re learning how to get baby to latch, it’s important to establish a breastfeeding position that works for both you and your baby. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions until you find one that makes you feel comfortable and helps your baby achieve a good latch.

Here are some common positions that can help you and your baby achieve a proper breastfeeding latch:²

1. The laid-back position

The laid-back or reclining position is ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding for the first time. To try this position, simply lean back in a reclining position with pillows supporting your neck, shoulders and arms. With your baby’s belly on yours, allow them to find your breast and make any necessary adjustments.

2. The side-lying position

If you are looking for nursing positions that allow you to feed your baby and rest at the same time, the side-lying position may be perfect for you. Lie on your side with cushions or pillows behind you for support. Your baby can then lie facing you to nurse. You can also place a towel or blanket behind your little one to keep them in place while feeding. Make sure any pillows you’re using aren’t too close to your baby’s face.

3. The cradle position

Another great position to achieve a good breastfeeding latch, the cradle hold calls for you to sit in a chair with arm rests, or on a bed where you can support yourself with pillows. If you’re in a chair, it can help to prop your feet up on a footstool. Lay your baby sideways across your lap, facing you, and then rest your baby’s head on your forearm, allowing your hand to support their whole body while they feed.

4. The rugby position

For this position, start by sitting on a comfortable chair with pillows for support. Place your baby on their back on a pillow, with their legs coming under your arm and their nose level with your nipple. While supporting your baby’s back and shoulders with your forearm, cradle the head with the same hand, and use the other hand to support the breast that your baby is feeding from.

When trying these different breastfeeding positions, your newborn may respond better to one over another.

How to make sure you have a good breastfeeding latch

Once you do find a good position, look out for the following signs that your baby has achieved a good latch:³

Your baby seems comfortable and contented.
Your baby doesn’t keep coming off your breast.
Your baby has rounded cheeks as they feed.
It’s a comfortable experience for you, rather than a painful one.

If the latch still doesn’t seem right, here are a few tips to help you on your way:⁴

Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.
Try to avoid holding the back of your baby’s head, as your baby should be able to tip their head back slightly when feeding.
Position your baby with their nose opposite your nipple, to encourage them to open their mouth wide.
Your baby should take your nipple, areola, and some of the surrounding tissue into their mouth, depending on the size of the areola.
Look for more of the areola above their top lip than below their bottom lip.

Once properly attached, your baby will drink quickly to stimulate the let-down reflex and then slow down as milk begins to flow.

If you notice that your baby has not latched on properly or if the latch is painful, gently place your finger in the corner of their mouth and remove them from your breast when you see their mouth open, then try again.

More breastfeeding tips

With the right breastfeeding positions, newborn babies can be fed more comfortably, but there are other things to bear in mind. Here are a few things that can help when you’re trying out nursing positions.⁴

Comfort is key. One of the best ways to help make breastfeeding successful is to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed. You can start by positioning yourself on a couch, bed, or armchair with pillows for support. When you’re at home, you can also get creative with your breastfeeding techniques through lighting preferences, soothing music or whatever relaxes you the most.
Hold your baby close. Rather than leaning forward, you should bring your baby up close to your breasts. Your baby’s mouth should be opposite your nipple with their head extended and shoulders and hips in-line. You can also try gently brushing your nipple against your baby’s nose and mouth to encourage an easier latch.
Support the breast. While one hand supports the newborn, you can use your other hand to support just under the breast. When learning how to breastfeed, some mothers may prefer their hand to be free, in which case you can use a rolled towel instead for support.
Use a bottle designed to act like the breast. If you’re supplementing your breastfeeding with bottle feeding, consider a bottle that behaves like your breast so it’s easier for your baby to switch between the two. The Philips Avent Natural Response baby bottle has a breast-shaped nipple that releases milk only when compressed by your baby’s tongue. During pauses, your little one can enjoy a moment of calm to comfortably swallow and breathe before drinking again, just like breastfeeding.

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey

There you have it: the breastfeeding positions and tips to help you and your baby get a good latch during feedings. Remember that breastfeeding is a learning curve, so don’t be discouraged if you encounter obstacles or challenges along the way, such as improper latching.

Enjoy this special time with your baby and remember to consult with a doctor or lactation specialist with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.