Breastfeeding positions

Getting the hang of breastfeeding can be tricky for all mums, which is why it is so important to have a medical professional show both you and your partner how to do it as soon as your baby is born. The most important thing is to make sure that you find a position that makes both your partner and your baby feel comfortable and relaxed, otherwise your baby might not attach to her breast properly, which is when breastfeeding can become painful. It is also very important to remember that no matter what position your partner chooses to adopt, your baby’s forehead, shoulders and hips should remain in a straight line.

Remember that the feeding process is unique for each family; what works for others might not work for you, so just try a few positions and see what feels right for your partner and your baby. As dads, it can be your responsibility to ensure this is comfortable and that your partner has everything she needs to hand.

Once you find a position that works for your family then it’s a good idea to stick with it. However, as your baby gets older and your partner becomes more practised at breastfeeding she may want to change the position. Your partner will find that some positions are easier for feeding your child depending on where she is and what she is doing; some popular breastfeeding positions include:

Cradle hold
Cross-cradle hold
Underarm hold (rugby ball)
Side lying hold

You can help by learning these positions and supporting your partner while she experiments with them at the start of breastfeeding.