There is no single right position. There is the one in which you are relaxed and your baby can latch on well. It is worth knowing at least three, so you can switch as the situation demands.
The NHS lists several checks that are the same whatever the position:1
| Position | How | Suits | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle hold | your baby lies across your lap, head on your forearm, nose to the nipple; ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line2 | the best-known position, once breastfeeding is going well | after a caesarean it may press on the scar2 |
| Rugby (football) hold | you sit with a cushion at your side; your baby is under your arm on the side of the breast, hips alongside your hips, neck supported by your hand2 | after a caesarean, with large breasts, with twins | enough cushions so you don’t hunch over |
| Lying on your side | you lie facing your baby, chest to chest, back and neck supported3 | night feeds, resting | see below on sleep |
| Laid-back | you lean back comfortably, your baby lies tummy-down on you with a cheek by the breast and latches on by themselves3 | the first days, when you are both learning; babies who like to find the breast on their own | you need something to lean back against |
After a caesarean, the NHS recommends positions that do not press on the scar: the rugby hold or feeding on your side. The cradle hold may be uncomfortable because your baby lies across your tummy.2
Feeding lying down is comfortable at night, but it is easy to fall asleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend sharing a bed. If you fall asleep while breastfeeding in bed, put your baby back on their own sleep surface when you wake, and keep pillows and covers that could cover their face out of the bed.4 Never breastfeed where you might fall asleep on a sofa or in an armchair; the AAP describes these places as extremely dangerous. More in the article Safe sleep.
When feeding out and about or with visitors, you will appreciate a top that opens with one hand. You will find an overview in the guide Clothes for breastfeeding.
The numbers in the text refer to these sources. The links go to the publishers’ own pages; we simply cite them.
We last checked these sources on 13 October 2026.
The first feed, how often to breastfeed a newborn, signs of a good latch, how many wet nappies to expect, when your milk comes in and when to get help. Based on the WHO and the NHS.
In-depth guide 5 min read
How nursing tops, hoodies, dresses and nightdresses work, which designs open with one hand, which fabrics to choose and how many items are enough.
In-depth guide 4 min read
On the back for every sleep, a firm flat surface without pillows or covers, sleeping in the parents’ room on their own surface, a room at 16–20 °C. Based on the AAP 2022 and The Lullaby Trust.
2 min read