There are many different breastfeeding positions. You can both sit and lie while you nurse. Know that it takes practice, and it might take a while to find the position or positions that work best for you and your baby.
Below are examples of some common breastfeeding positions.
1. Laid back
Recline on your back in a half-sitting position with a pillow under your head. Baby can lie like a little frog on your stomach between your breasts.
2. Side lying
Lie on your side with your upper body in the middle of the bed and your bottom toward the edge of the bed. Baby is close, belly-to-belly. Your nipple is level with baby’s upper lip.
3. Reclining position with baby in different directions
As your baby gets bigger and breastfeeding goes more smoothly, try many different positions. If you have clogged ducts in the upper breast, we recommend trying this position (see below).
4. Sitting up
Sit up straight with a cushion behind your lower back, a firm cushion under your arm and perhaps a footstool to provide relief for your back. Baby is close, belly-to-belly, skin-to-skin and your nipple is level with baby’s upper lip. Hold your baby like the picture above.