Breastfeeding positions

A good breastfeeding position helps breastfeeding go smoothly, for it not to be painful, and ensures your baby gets enough milk.

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A good breastfeeding position for you

Swipe here for ideas to help you find a breastfeeding position that works for you, understand why positioning matters, and explore positions that suit different situations.

Why is positioning important?

When you breastfeed in a good position, your baby usually latches and feeds more effectively and can take the milk it needs more easily. A good position also reduces the risk of sore nipples and helps you avoid tension in your neck and back. If you need support in finding a comfortable and effective feeding position, speak with the staff during your postnatal stay in hospital or with your health visitor once you are home.

What makes a good breastfeeding position?

A breastfeeding position works well when you can relax, feeding doesn’t hurt, and your baby latches and feeds effectively. Try different positions and notice which one feels natural and well-supported for you. There is no single “best” breastfeeding position. The right position is the one that suits both you and your baby. Key points include:

  • Your baby should be held close, tummy-to-tummy with you.
  • You should feel supported and able to relax.
  • Feeding should feel comfortable and free from pain.

If your baby finds it difficult to latch or your nipples hurt, another position may help. Sometimes moving your baby just a few centimetres can improve the latch. For example, gently guiding your baby a little lower so the neck is slightly extended can help the nose stay clear of the breast and support effective feeding.

Sore nipples can be common in the early days after birth, but breastfeeding should not cause pain. If you experience pain while feeding or notice cracks or nipple damage, your feeding position may need adjusting. Try a different position, or speak with the staff on the postnatal ward or your health visitor for support.


The laid-back breastfeeding position

In this position, you lean back in a semi-reclined way with good support behind you, while your baby lies close to you, tummy-to-tummy. Many women find the laid-back position helpful in the early days after birth, although others prefer different ways of feeding. Studies show that this position may reduce nipple soreness, and it can feel restful when your back and neck are properly supported.

Women breastfeeding child in laid-back breastfeeding position using a nursing pillow as support behind the neck.

 

The cross-cradle position

In the cross-cradle hold, your baby lies across your front, similar to the usual cradle hold. The difference is that your baby’s head is supported in your hand rather than resting on your arm. This position gives you more control of your baby’s head and neck and can be helpful if your baby needs a little extra support to latch effectively.

Side-lying breastfeeding position

In the side-lying position, you and your baby lie on your sides, tummy-to-tummy, while you support your baby’s back with your upper hand. It’s easy for you to relax in this position, and many enjoy breastfeeding lying down during nighttime feeds. This position can also help create a calmer feeding environment if your baby is going through a phase of being easily distracted.

 

The twin hold (rugby hold on both sides)

In the twin position, your baby is supported under your arm with the body and legs positioned along your side, while you support the baby’s head in your hand. This position works well for feeding twins at the same time, one on each breast. It can also be an option if you have a smaller or premature baby who needs more support for the head and neck, if you’ve had a Cesarean section, or if you need to drain milk from the outer part of your breast.

Cradle hold

The cradle hold is the position most parents know. In this position, you sit upright with good support while your baby lies across your lap, resting the head on your arm. To help your baby latch comfortably, keep your baby facing you, tummy-to-tummy, so the head and neck do not need to twist to reach the breast.

Not everyone finds a nursing pillow helpful. Many expectant parents buy one before birth, but never use it, while others are very fond of their breastfeeding pillow and hardly ever breastfeed without it. If you are feeding twins, you may find a nursing pillow particularly useful. A pillow can help support your arm, back, or even your feet while you breastfeed. Just make sure it doesn’t prevent your baby from being held close to your body. Some parents prefer to use ordinary pillows instead, and that can work just as well.

Watch videos on breastfeeding positions

Good to do

  • Try different breastfeeding positions and notice which ones feel most comfortable and effective for you.
  • Check whether you can relax, whether feeding feels comfortable, and whether your baby can latch effectively.
  • Use pillows to support your body so you can stay comfortable and relaxed while feeding.
  • Try changing positions if breastfeeding causes pain or your baby has difficulty latching. The laid-back position may help in these situations.

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with breastfeeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or support.There are two organisations in Denmark that offer this help: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet.The volunteers are mothers with breastfeeding experience, and both organisations follow the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet

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