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Breastfeeding positions – which is right for me?

Sep 30, 2025

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond with your baby and provide them with all the nutrients they need. But which breastfeeding position is right for you? Here you'll learn everything about the different breastfeeding positions and how to latch your baby correctly.

Breastfeeding tips

Properly latching your baby is key to successful breastfeeding. No matter which breastfeeding position you choose, there are some basic rules to keep in mind:

Sit or lie comfortably: Make sure you and your baby are comfortable and quiet.

Baby close to your body: Your baby should lie close to your body with his head tilted slightly back.

Nose at nipple level: Make sure your baby's nose is at the level of your nipple.

Entire breast tissue in the mouth: Your baby should have not only the nipple but also a large part of the breast tissue in the mouth.

Try different positions: You may find that breastfeeding with your left breast in one position works better than breastfeeding with your right breast in the same position. Feel free to experiment and find out what works best for both of you. Changing breastfeeding positions can also be helpful for relieving pressure on your back, neck, and shoulders.

Breastfeeding while sitting

Sitting down to breastfeed is one of the most common breastfeeding positions. It's comfortable and practical, especially when you're on the go.

Advantages:

Good control over the baby
Easy breast change
Flexible and possible almost anywhere

Steps:

Sit comfortably and support your back against a chair.
Place a pillow on your lap to support your baby.
Hold your baby in the cradle position or the cross position.
In the cradle position, your baby's head rests on your forearm, your baby's belly rests on your belly
In the cross-over position, your arms switch roles. Your baby's body rests along your opposite forearm. This allows you to support your baby's neck and shoulders while breastfeeding.
Make sure your baby's head is at the level of your nipple.
Gently guide your baby to the breast and let him or her latch on.

Breastfeeding position: cradle position

The cradle position is a classic breastfeeding position and is particularly suitable for newborns.

Advantages:

Intuitive and natural position
Promotes the bond between mother and child

Steps:

Sit comfortably and support your back.
Hold your baby so that his head is in the crook of your arm.
Make sure his body is facing yours.
Gently guide your baby to the breast and let him or her latch on.

The lying down breastfeeding position

Breastfeeding while lying down is very comfortable, especially at night, and protects your back.

Advantages:

Ideal for nighttime breastfeeding
Relieves back and stomach
Relaxing for mother and child

Steps:

Lie on your back and support your head and neck with a pillow.
Place your baby on your stomach and support him or her with your arms.
Make sure his head is at the level of your nipple.
Help your baby find and latch on to the breast.

Hoppe-Reiter breastfeeding

Hoppe-Reiter breastfeeding is an upright position that can be especially helpful for babies with reflux or ear infections.

Advantages:

Promotes milk flow
Helpful for reflux and ear infections

Steps:

Sit comfortably and support your back.
Place your baby on your lap, facing your chest.
Hold your baby by the hip and guide him or her to your breast.

Breastfeeding position: side position

Lying on your side is a relaxed position that is particularly helpful after a cesarean section or when breastfeeding at night.

Advantages:

Relieves stomach and back
Ideal after cesarean section

Steps:

Lie on your side and support your head.
Place your baby parallel to you so that his or her tummy touches your tummy.
Make sure his head is at the level of your nipple.
Gently guide your baby to the breast.

Breastfeeding in the all-fours position

This position can be helpful in cases of heavy milk flow or milk congestion.

Advantages:

Supports milk flow
Helpful for milk congestion

Steps:

Kneel or bend over your baby while they lie on their back.
Bring your breast to your baby's nose.
Let your baby breastfeed and drink.

Breastfeeding with the Dancer Grip

The Dancer Hold is especially helpful if your baby has difficulty latching onto the breast.

Advantages:

Supports the baby when breastfeeding
Helpful for weak mouth muscles

Steps:

Sit comfortably and support your back.
Hold your chest in a U-shape with one hand.
Guide your baby to the breast and support him by placing your thumb and index finger around his chin.

Breastfeeding in the football position

The football position, named for its similarity to holding a football under the arm, is particularly beneficial for mothers with large breasts, after a cesarean section, or with twins.

Advantages:

You have a lot of control over the posture and can avoid pressure on your cesarean scar
Good for babies who have difficulty finding the breast or nipple

Steps:

Sit comfortably and support your arm with a pillow.
Place your baby on your side under your arm, with his feet back and his head close to his chest.
Hold your baby's head with your hand and press his body firmly against your side.
Insert the nipple into the baby's mouth, making sure it covers a large part of the areola.

Breastfeeding in a baby carrier

Breastfeeding in a sling or other baby carrier is especially convenient when you are on the go.

Advantages:

Practical for on the go
Hands remain free

Steps:

Place your baby in the carrier or sling.
Make sure his head is at the level of your nipple.
Let your baby breastfeed and drink.

Breastfeeding positions for milk congestion

A blocked milk duct can be painful and make breastfeeding difficult. Try different breastfeeding positions to improve milk flow. Kneeling over your baby, on all fours, is particularly effective, allowing gravity to release the blocked milk duct.

Breastfeeding positions after cesarean section

After a cesarean section, it's important to find a position that minimizes pressure on your scar. Sleeping on your side or breastfeeding while lying down is particularly recommended, as it relieves pressure on your abdomen and allows you and your baby to enjoy a relaxed breastfeeding experience.

With these tips and positions, you're sure to find the right breastfeeding position for you and your baby. Every breastfeeding relationship is unique, and it may take some time until you find the best position. Be patient and enjoy the special time of breastfeeding.

Always seek medical advice

Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.

FAQ – We answer your questions

What breastfeeding positions are there?

There are several breastfeeding positions that can help you and your baby breastfeed comfortably. The most common include the cradle hold, side-lying position, hopscotch, sitting breastfeeding, lying down breastfeeding, all-fours, the dancer hold, and breastfeeding in a carrier.

Why are there different breastfeeding positions?

Different breastfeeding positions offer variety and comfort for you and your baby. They can help promote milk flow, prevent mastitis, and provide a comfortable breastfeeding position, especially for special needs such as after a cesarean section or with reflux.

Why should I change breastfeeding positions?

Varying breastfeeding positions can help drain all areas of the breast evenly and reduce the risk of engorgement and mastitis. It can also be more comfortable for you and your baby to try different positions to find the best fit.

How many breastfeeding positions are there?

There are numerous breastfeeding positions you can try. The most common are the cradle position, the cross-over position, the side position, the hopscotch position, breastfeeding while lying down, the all-fours position, the dancer hold, and breastfeeding in a baby carrier. In total, there are at least eight tried-and-tested breastfeeding positions.

How do I breastfeed properly?

To breastfeed successfully, sit or lie comfortably, hold your baby close to your body, and ensure their nose is at the level of your nipple. Your baby should have a large portion of the breast tissue in their mouth, not just the nipple. Different breastfeeding positions can help you and your baby find a comfortable and effective breastfeeding position.