Finding a comfortable breastfeeding position can make a big difference to your feeds, your posture and how well your baby latches. There’s no single “right” way to feed. Most parents switch between a few nursing positions depending on their recovery, their baby’s age and the time of day.
Below are our five favourite breastfeeding positions, with step-by-step tips and how to use the 3-in-1 Pillow to support you and your baby in each one.
1. Rugby Ball Hold (Underarm Hold)
Best for: recovering from a c-section, larger breasts, twins, or babies who struggle to latch.
The rugby ball hold, also called the underarm or clutch hold, keeps your baby’s weight off your tummy, which makes it one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions after a caesarean.
How to do it:
- Sit upright with your back well supported.
- Place your nursing pillow at your side and lay your baby on it, level with your waist, with their legs tucked under your arm.
- Rest your baby’s back along your forearm and support the base of their head with your open hand.
- Turn your baby to face your breast, nose to nipple.
Pillow tip: The BellaMoon Nursing Pillow raises your baby to breast height so your arm isn’t taking their full weight, which helps you hold the position for longer feeds.
2. Koala Hold (Upright Breastfeeding Position)
Best for: babies with reflux, ear infections, tongue-tie or low muscle tone, and older babies who want to see what’s going on.
In the koala hold, your baby sits upright facing you while they feed. Many babies who are uncomfortable lying down prefer this position.
How to do it:
- Sit in a chair or on the bed with good back support.
- Sit your baby straddling your thigh or hip, facing you.
- Keep their spine and head upright and well supported.
- Bring them in close to your breast to latch.
Pillow tip: For younger babies, use the pillow on your lap to lift them to the right height so you’re not leaning forward.
3. Side Support Hold
Best for: bigger babies, toddlers, warm weather and skin-to-skin feeds.
This position supports your feeding arm without wrapping the pillow around your front, which keeps you cooler and leaves room for skin-to-skin contact.
How to do it:
- Position the pillow along one side of your body.
- Rest your elbow and forearm on the pillow.
- Hold your baby across your body as you would in a cradle hold, letting the pillow take the weight of your arm.
Pillow tip: Using the New Moon as an arm rest reduces strain on your shoulders and wrists, especially as your baby gets heavier.
4. Cradle Hold
Best for: newborns once you’re confident with latching, and feeding on the go.
The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position and one of the easiest to learn. It gives you a clear view of your nipple and your baby’s mouth, so you can check the latch as you go.
How to do it:
- Sit upright with your back supported and feet flat.
- Lay your baby across your lap, tummy to tummy with you.
- Rest their head in the crook of your elbow on the side you’re feeding from.
- Use your other hand to support your breast if needed.
Pillow tip: With a nursing pillow around your waist, your baby’s body is supported at breast height, freeing up your hands and taking pressure off your back and neck.
5. Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)
Best for: the first feed after birth, relaxed feeds, and babies who are still learning to latch.
For many parents, laid-back breastfeeding is the very first feed, with baby placed on your chest straight after birth. Lying back lets gravity hold your baby in place and encourages natural feeding reflexes such as rooting (searching for the breast), head bobbing and moving the arms and legs to find the nipple.
How to do it:
- Recline at a comfortable angle, propped up rather than lying flat.
- Place your baby tummy-down on your chest.
- Let your baby move towards the breast and latch, guiding gently if needed.
Pillow tip: Use the New Moon behind your back or under your arms so you can relax fully without straining your shoulders.
Breastfeeding Positions FAQs
What is the best breastfeeding position for a newborn?
The laid-back and rugby ball holds are often easiest in the early days because they give your baby plenty of support and help with latching. The cradle hold becomes easier once you’re both more confident.
What is the best breastfeeding position after a c-section?
The rugby ball hold keeps your baby away from your scar, making it one of the most comfortable positions after a caesarean. A nursing pillow adds extra protection over your tummy.
Which breastfeeding position helps with reflux?
Upright positions such as the koala hold can help babies with reflux feel more comfortable during feeds.
Do I need a nursing pillow to breastfeed?
No, but a nursing pillow raises your baby to the right height, reduces strain on your back, arms and shoulders, and makes it easier to hold a good position for longer.
If you’re having trouble with latching, pain or your baby’s weight gain, speak to your midwife, health visitor or a lactation consultant (IBCLC).
Find Your Most Comfortable Feeding Position
The 3-in-1 Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow supports you through pregnancy and every one of these breastfeeding positions, from the rugby ball hold to laid-back feeds. The Mini-Moon Nursing Pillow is a smaller alternative at a more affordable price.
