Some moms find that the following positions are helpful ways to get comfortable and support their babies while breastfeeding. You can also use pillows under your arms, elbows, neck, or back to give you added comfort and support. Keep trying different positions until you are comfortable. What works for one feeding may not work for the next feeding.

Clutch or "football" hold: useful if you had a C-section, or if you have large breasts, flat or inverted nipples, or a strong let-down reflex. This hold is also helpful for babies who like to be in a more upright position when they feed. Hold your baby at your side with the baby lying on his or her back and with his or her head at the level of your nipple. Support your baby's head by placing the palm of your hand at the base of his or her head.

Cross-cradle or transitional hold: useful for premature babies or babies with a weak suck because this hold gives extra head support and may help the baby stay latched. Hold your baby along the area opposite from the breast you are using. Support your baby's head at the base of his or her neck with the palm of your hand.

Cradle hold: an easy, common hold that is comfortable for most mothers and babies. Hold your baby with his or her head on your forearm and his or her body facing yours.

Laid-back hold (straddle hold): a more relaxed, baby-led approach. Lie back on a pillow. Lay your baby against your body with your baby's head just above and between your breasts. Gravity and an instinct to nurse will guide your baby to your breast. As your baby searches for your breast, support your baby's head and shoulders but don't force the latch.

Side-lying position: useful if you had a C-section, but also allows you to rest while the baby breastfeeds. Lie on your side with your baby facing you. Pull your baby close so your baby faces your body.

Use the clutch hold to breastfeed your baby.

GOOD IF:

• You had a C-section.
• You are breastfeeding twins.
• You have large breasts.
• Your nipples are flat or inverted.
• Your milk let-down is strong.
• Your baby likes to feed upright. This position may help babies with reflux.
• This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding.

HOW TO:

For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side. Put your baby's head near your right nipple and support baby's back and legs under your right arm. Hold the base of your baby's head gently with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby's weight. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.

Reverse for the left side.

Use the cross-cradle hold to breastfeed your baby.

GOOD IF:

• Your baby needs extra head support.
• Your baby is premature.
• Your baby's suck is weak. This hold may help your baby stay latched.
• This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding.

HOW TO:

Hold baby's head at your right breast and baby's body toward your left side. If it's more comfortable, support your arm holding the baby on a pillow across your lap.

Gently place your left hand behind your baby's ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby's shoulder blades. Turn your baby's body toward yours so that your tummies are touching.

Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.

As your baby's mouth opens, push gently with your palm that's on baby's head to help the latch. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.

Reverse for the left side.

Use the cradle hold to breastfeed your baby.

GOOD IF:

• This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding. This hold is very common because it's easy and comfortable for a lot of moms and babies.
• Your baby has difficulty latching. This hold can help guide baby's mouth to your breast.

HOW TO:

For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level. Your baby's head will rest on your right forearm, with your baby's back along your inner arm and palm. Turn your baby's tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.

Reverse for the left breast.

Use the laid-back hold to breastfeed your baby.

GOOD IF:

• You'd like a relaxed, baby-led approach.
• This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding.

HOW TO:

Lean back on a pillow, with your baby's front against yours. Some moms find that sitting up relatively straight works well. Others prefer to lean back so that they're lying almost flat. When you lean back like this, your baby is held by your body so your hands are free. Just make sure your baby's body, especially baby's head and shoulders, is fully supported.

Place your baby's cheek near your breast. Some moms find it helpful to use one hand to position their breast near their baby. It's up to you and what you think is the most comfortable. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

Use the side-lying position to breastfeed your baby.

GOOD IF:

• You had a C-section.
• This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding.

HOW TO:

You and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Your baby's chest should face your chest, and your baby's mouth should be level with your nipple. Pull your baby close. In this position, you can cradle your baby's back with your forearm. Support yourself with pillows behind your back. Be careful not to surround your baby with loose clothing or bedding.