Positions for Breastfeeding

There are four basic positions for holding your baby while you nurse. Sometimes varying positions can help to change pressure points and make nursing more comfortable until your areolas and nipples get used to the friction of early nursing:

Front Hug. Position your baby’s head in
the crook of your elbow so your body is
aligned, belly-to-belly with yours.

Hand Hold. Place your baby across your arm so that your hand is holding his head, and he is facing the opposite breast from that arm.

Football Hold. Tuck your baby under the arm on the side of the breast you wish to nurse on. Your baby should be in a semi-sitting position.

Reclining Position. Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your head. Postion your baby on his side so his body is completely facing yours.