Many women are surprised by how much babies suckle. They may assume that, under normal conditions, breastfeeding is on demand and that a newborn should nurse at least eight times a day. In reality, there are no set schedules or fixed times for breastfeeding. Although these were two recommendations given to mothers a few decades ago, they were not well founded, and current evidence (and common sense) suggests that your baby should decide when to feed. Adopting a good breastfeeding position can greatly help make these shared moments pleasant and relaxed. That said, you should know that, as pointed out by the breastfeeding portal LactApp , there are no positions that are better than others. The “best” posture is the one that allows your baby to transfer milk well and suck effectively. “The posture, whatever it may be, should be comfortable for the mother; it is important to position yourself well to avoid tension in the shoulders or arms,” they say.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common breastfeeding positions that may be helpful to you.

1. Biological parenting position

This is how it's done: sit in a semi-reclined or semi-sitting position (between 15º and 65º) while your baby lies face down on you in close contact. In this position, you may be able to observe spontaneous latching, as your baby finds their way to the breast on their own, climbing up your stomach with their feet. This posture is recommended immediately after birth, since the smell of the nipple (similar to that of amniotic fluid) and the temperature difference between your baby’s lips and your nipple can trigger this primary reflex.

Recommended: it is one of the most suitable breastfeeding positions for beginners, especially when breastfeeding for the first time after childbirth. This position can also be beneficial if you’ve suffered an injury during delivery or if you want to relieve pressure on your pelvic floor.

Not recommended: although the biological parenting stance has many benefits, it’s best to avoid it if you’ve had a complicated cesarean section or if you experience significant pain in the abdominal area, as your baby’s movement to seek the nipple can press on the scar in this position. An alternative is to lay your little explorer on your chest or on your shoulders.

2. Crib position

This is how it's done: sit upright and place your baby on their side, supporting their back with your forearm and letting their head rest in the crook of your arm. If you want to offer the left breast, support your baby with your left forearm, with the right side of their chest against your body. Conversely, if you want to offer the right breast, support your baby with your right forearm, with the left side of their chest against you.

Recommended: This breastfeeding position is considered a classic and is the preferred one for many moms.

Not recommended: After a cesarean, your baby may press on the scar.

3. Position of the inverted cradle

This is how it's done: similar to the cradle position, except that in this position you hold your baby with the opposite hand.

Recommended: in cases of latching difficulties or for mothers with larger breasts.

Not recommended: after a cesarean, since your baby’s body can press on the scar, and in public places, since it requires extra support, such as a nursing pillow.

4. Lying down or reclining position

This is how it's done: you and your baby lie on your sides, belly to belly. You can comfortably place one hand under your head and support your baby with the other. You can also support your baby’s back with a nursing pillow or a rolled towel to help maintain the position and prevent them from rolling, but their head must always be free.

Recommended: it’s a very practical position for breastfeeding at night, since it allows you to stay lying down. It’s also recommended after an intervention, such as a cesarean section or an episiotomy, because your baby isn’t on top of you.

Not recommended: if there are any latching problems, this position may be difficult.

5. Rugby ball stance

This is how it's done: sit upright or semi-reclined and place your baby on their back, facing you. Support their body under one of your forearms, keeping them close to your body, with their legs pointing toward your back. Hold their head securely and firmly in your hand without pressing, and gently guide them toward your breast. You can also use a nursing pillow to support your baby.

Recommended: This breastfeeding position is very useful in cases of blockage, to help drain the ducts located on the outer side of the breasts, as well as in cases of mastitis. After a cesarean section, it can also help because your baby doesn’t press on the scar. And, of course, it’s an ideal position for multiple births, as it allows you to breastfeed two babies at the same time.

Not recommended: it may be more complicated when you’re out and about, since this position requires a place where you can get properly settled.

6. Position of the little horse

This is how it's done: Sit securely and place your baby sitting on your lap in front of you. Their bottom should be well supported, their legs in an M shape, their back curved in a C shape, and their face directly in front of your breast. One of your hands should support their head. The other hand can help you hold your breast to make latching easier.

Recommended: It’s a very comfortable position for mothers with very large breasts. It’s also useful for babies with colds, cleft lip, and a short lower jaw and maxilla.

Not recommended: for newborns who have difficulty curving their back into a C shape.

Remember that breastfeeding should not be painful. Unfortunately, this is one of the most widespread myths about breastfeeding. If you have any doubts about breastfeeding, experience discomfort, or aren’t sure whether the latch is correct, we recommend contacting your midwife or a breastfeeding counselor. Also, don’t hesitate to try different positions—even several in one feeding—until you find what works best for you and your baby. The most important thing is that both of you enjoy this moment of connection with as much comfort as possible.

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