Dismiss Modal

Management

Step-by-Step: Breastfeeding Holds

Choose a preferred language

Below are common breastfeeding holds, find the one that works best for you and your baby. For the laid back position, lie back in a chair or on a bed. Use pillows to raise and support your head, neck, and back. Lay the baby tummy to tummy with you. Support your baby with one or both hands. With the cradle hold, your baby's head and neck are supported in the crook of your arm. Use a pillow to raise your baby to breast height, and support the baby's back and bottom. With the cross cradle hold, your baby's head and neck are supported by one hand. Use a pillow to raise your baby to breast height, and support the baby's back and bottom. The football hold is useful if you're recovering from a ceasarean or have twins. Put a pillow at your side and lay your baby on it, hold the baby's head in the palm of your hand and tuck the baby's legs between your arm and body. The side lying hold is also useful after a ceasarean. Stretch out on your side with pillows to support your head, neck, and back. Lay the baby tummy to tummy with you and support the baby's head and neck with your hand. Put a rolled up towel behind the baby's back to stop the baby from rolling off the bed.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Flower icon

Early detection can make all the difference

Schedule your mammogram today.

FIND A LOCATION
stethoscope icon

Personalized care starts with the right provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

FIND A DOCTOR
Related Articles
Read article
Breast Health
Safe Storage of Breastmilk

Watch this video for a Checklist of the how to safely store freshly expressed or pumped breast milk.

Read article
Breast Health
Warming and Preparing Stored Breastmilk

Watch this video to learn how to safely warm and prepare stored breast milk.

Read article
Breast Health
Feeding Baby with Breast Milk

Breast milk is the single best source of nutrition for your baby and will help him grow and thrive. Learn when your baby will be ready to breastfeed, why it's so important, and all about pumping.

Read article
Breast Health
Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Watch this clip for a general explanation of how to approach breastfeeding to help get both mother and baby in a comfortable breastfeeding routine.