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Breastfeeding Positions: Latch Tips and Benefits for Mom and Baby

Sade Living-Williams

Video

7 min

In this video, you'll learn the essentials of breastfeeding, including how lactation works, how to initiate breastfeeding successfully, and the benefits for both you and your baby. It explains how your body produces milk, the importance of early skin-to-skin contact, and techniques to ensure a good latch. You'll also discover the many advantages of breastfeeding, such as providing vital nutrients, strengthening your baby’s immune system, and promoting a strong emotional bond, while also benefiting your own health and recovery.

Breastfeeding positions play a key role in how comfortable, effective and sustainable breastfeeding feels for both mom and baby. The right position supports a deep latch, improves milk removal and helps reduce common challenges such as nipple pain, soreness or frustration during feeds. Understanding how breastfeeding works and how positioning affects latch can make the early days of breastfeeding feel more confident and manageable.

Breastfeeding works through a supply and demand system that is guided by hormones and physical stimulation. Early and frequent feeding helps establish milk supply, while proper positioning and latch ensure that milk is transferred effectively. Many new moms worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk, but learning breastfeeding basics such as positioning, latch and feeding cues can help ease these concerns and support a positive experience.

Quick answer: Breastfeeding positions support a deep latch, effective milk transfer and comfort for both mom and baby. Common breastfeeding positions include the cradle hold, football hold and side-lying position. Proper positioning and latch also enhance the benefits of breastfeeding for baby’s nutrition and immunity and support postpartum recovery for mom.

How Breastfeeding Works

Breastfeeding begins during pregnancy as the body prepares to nourish the baby. Hormones play a central role in this process, helping the breasts develop and preparing them to produce milk. After birth, breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system. The more frequently milk is removed from the breast, the more milk the body is signaled to produce.

This is why early and frequent breastfeeding is so important in the first days after birth. Regular stimulation through nursing helps establish a healthy milk supply and supports long-term breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding Hormones: Prolactin and Oxytocin

Two main hormones are involved in breastfeeding.

Prolactin is responsible for milk production. Each time the baby suckles, prolactin levels rise, signaling the body to make more milk.

Oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, allowing milk to flow from the breast to the baby. Oxytocin is also released through skin-to-skin contact and bonding, strengthening the emotional connection between mom and baby.

Together, these hormones regulate milk production, milk release and bonding during breastfeeding.

Colostrum and When Milk Comes In

Colostrum is the first milk the body produces. It is made during pregnancy and is available in the first few days after birth. Colostrum is thick, yellowish and often referred to as “liquid gold” because it is packed with nutrients and immune-supporting components.

Around three to five days after birth, milk typically transitions from colostrum to more mature milk. Many moms wonder when their milk will come in, but this transition depends largely on how frequently milk is removed from the breast. Regular nursing helps signal the body to increase milk production.

How to Start Breastfeeding

Starting breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth can help establish milk supply and support the baby’s natural feeding instincts. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth encourages babies to root and latch onto the breast.

Babies are born with reflexes that help them seek out the breast, but breastfeeding does not always come easily at first. Both mom and baby are learning. Patience, practice and support are essential during the early days.

Why Breastfeeding Positions Matter

Breastfeeding positions affect how well the baby latches, how effectively milk is removed and how comfortable feeding feels for mom. A poor position can lead to shallow latch, nipple pain and inefficient feeding, while a good position supports comfort and effective milk transfer.

Because feeding sessions can last 30 to 45 minutes, comfort is essential. Using pillows to support the arms and baby can reduce strain and help maintain a stable position throughout the feed.

Common Breastfeeding Positions

Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most commonly used breastfeeding positions. The baby lies across mom’s body, with their head resting in the crook of the arm on the same side as the nursing breast. This position allows close contact and is often used once breastfeeding is well established.

Football Hold

In the football hold, the baby is tucked under mom’s arm on the same side as the nursing breast, with their body supported by pillows. This position can be especially helpful for new moms, as it provides a clear view of the baby’s latch and may offer better control.

Side-Lying Position

The side-lying position allows mom and baby to lie on their sides facing each other. This position can be useful for nighttime feeds or when mom needs extra rest. Proper alignment of the baby’s mouth with the nipple is essential to support a good latch.

Breastfeeding Latch: Why It Matters

A proper breastfeeding latch is essential for effective feeding and comfort. A shallow latch can cause nipple pain, cracked nipples and poor milk transfer, while a deep latch allows the baby to feed efficiently.

For a good latch, the baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola rather than just the nipple. The nipple should be positioned toward the roof of the baby’s mouth, allowing for effective milk removal.

Signs of a Good Breastfeeding Latch

Signs that the baby has a good latch include:

The baby’s lips are flanged outward
The latch feels comfortable after initial adjustment
There is rhythmic suckling and swallowing
The baby’s jaw moves smoothly during feeding
Milk transfer appears effective

Some discomfort at the beginning can be normal as oxytocin is released, which may cause uterine contractions. However, ongoing pain is not normal and should be addressed early.

Addressing Latch Challenges Early

If latch issues occur, addressing them early can prevent soreness and feeding difficulties. Adjusting positioning, ensuring proper alignment and seeking support can help improve latch and feeding effectiveness.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mom and baby. With practice and support, latch and positioning often improve over time.

Milk Removal and Milk Supply

Effective milk removal is essential for maintaining milk supply. When milk is removed efficiently, the body receives a signal to continue producing milk. A deep latch and proper positioning help ensure that milk is transferred effectively.

Frequent feeding in the early days supports milk production and helps establish a strong supply.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breastfeeding provides perfectly balanced nutrition that adapts to the baby’s needs as they grow. Breast milk contains antibodies that help strengthen the baby’s immune system and protect against infections and illnesses.

Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of allergies and chronic conditions and supports healthy development. Even when mom is sick, breastfeeding continues to provide protective antibodies to the baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom

Breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery by helping the uterus contract and reducing bleeding. It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and promotes emotional bonding through oxytocin release.

Breastfeeding can be cost-saving and environmentally friendly, offering benefits beyond nutrition alone.

Emotional Bonding Through Breastfeeding

Oxytocin released during breastfeeding supports emotional bonding between mom and baby. This hormone fosters connection, relaxation and emotional wellbeing, benefiting both.

Each breastfeeding journey is unique. Whether breastfeeding lasts a few days or several years, every feeding contributes to nourishment and bonding.

Finding Support and Building Confidence

Breastfeeding is a journey that looks different for every mom and baby. Seeking support from professionals, support groups or trusted resources can make a meaningful difference.

Building confidence takes time. Celebrating progress, asking for help when needed and trusting the body’s ability to nourish the baby can support a positive breastfeeding experience.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding positions, latch and comfort play a crucial role in successful breastfeeding. Understanding how breastfeeding works, how milk supply is established and how positioning affects latch can help moms feel more confident and supported.

Proper breastfeeding positions support effective milk transfer, reduce discomfort and enhance the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. With patience, practice and support, breastfeeding can become a nourishing and rewarding experience that strengthens both physical health and emotional connection.

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Breastfeeding Positions Explained: Latch Tips and Benefits

Video Transcript

00:00:01 Your body produces milk to nourish your baby. It begins during pregnancy as your hormones prolactin and oxytocin prepare your body to produce and release milk. So once your baby is born, your body operates on a supply and demand system. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. That's why early and frequent breastfeeding is super important to establish a healthy milk supply. Whether you're a first time mom or you're looking to improve

00:00:33 your breastfeeding experience, this video is going to guide you through the basics of breastfeeding. We'll cover how lactation works, how to initiate breastfeeding, and the incredible benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. So let's get started. There are two major hormones involved when it comes to breast milk production, and that is prolactin, which stimulates milk production, and oxytocin, which triggers the milk letdown. and oxytocin, which triggers the milk letdown.

00:01:02 So your brain basically signals your body and your breast to produce milk. When prolactin levels are high and prolactin levels are increased through suckling and stimulation of the breasts. Colostrum is going to be that first milk that your body starts to produce, and you produce this during pregnancy. It is a nutrient packed first milk produced in the first few days after birth. Every mom produces colostrum. It might just look a little birth. Every mom produces colostrum. It might just look a little

00:01:31 different depending on where you're at in your journey. Usually it's this thick, yellowish substance often referred to as liquid gold. Your milk composition is going to soon transition into more mature milk around 3 to 5 days postpartum. A lot of new moms want to know when their milk is going to come in, and this is typically the standard. However, you must be removing milk frequently from the breast in order for milk production to milk frequently from the breast in order for milk production to

00:02:01 work the way it needs to. when you're first getting started with breastfeeding. Skin to skin contact is key. You want to hold your baby close to you immediately after birth, if you can, to encourage their natural feeding instincts. Babies are born with the reflex to root and latch onto the breast. It may not come easy to every mom, especially in the beginning, but with lots of patience, lots of practice, you'll both get the hang of it. lots of patience, lots of practice, you'll both get the hang of it.

00:02:31 Don't stress yourself out if you feel like your baby isn't getting enough. Remember, they're new to this and so were you. It's going to work itself out. You just keep practicing and get support if you need it. Positioning is also very crucial when it comes to breastfeeding. You'll want to find a comfortable position for you and the baby, because there's a good chance that you might be in that position for 30 to 45 minutes. You can try the cradle hold the football hold,

00:02:58 You can try the cradle hold the football hold, or side lying position. Make sure your baby's latch is deep and it's covering most of your areola, not just the nipple, because that's what's going to cause pain and cracked nipples. And it's also not giving your baby an effective latch. Milk removal is best when the most of your areola is inside the baby's mouth, and the nipple is pointing up at the roof of their mouth. You might also want to surround yourself with lots of pillows to

00:03:33 prop your arm up, and maybe rest your baby's head on, because again, you may be in that position for a long period of time and you'll want to be comfortable. As I mentioned earlier, you want to start breastfeeding within that first hour after birth, if you can. And more signs of a good latch to look out for is your baby's lips are flanged out. You're not experiencing extreme pain. lips are flanged out. You're not experiencing extreme pain. A little bit of pain in the beginning is normal because as

00:04:04 your baby is suckling. It's going to release oxytocin, which is going to trigger your body to have light contractions. So it might feel like those early labor contractions that you had in the very beginning, that is your uterus contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size. So that's a good thing. However, it can be a little uncomfortable, especially for first time moms. Another sign of a good latch is especially for first time moms. Another sign of a good latch is

00:04:33 your baby has rhythmic suckling and swallowing, and you can kind of see their jaws moving and you can hear the swallowing sounds. Address any challenges that may come up like a shallow latch really early to avoid soreness and ensure that you are getting effective feedings. Breastfeeding has countless benefits for both you and your baby. For your baby. It provides perfectly balanced For your baby. It provides perfectly balanced nutrition. It strengthens their immune

00:05:04 system and it can lower their risk of infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses for mom, breastfeeding supports the postpartum recovery by helping your uterus contract and reduce bleeding. It can also lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancers and strengthens the bond between you and your baby. It's no secret that breastfeeding has numerous nutritional benefits, and these benefits are tailored has numerous nutritional benefits, and these benefits are tailored to your baby's needs, so your breast milk actually adapts

00:05:37 and adjusts the according to your baby's age and their development. It has lots of immunological protection. Antibodies are passed through your breast milk to your baby, so that's really cool. Even if you're sick, you don't have to stop breastfeeding. Those antibodies are going to help protect your baby from being sick as well. help protect your baby from being sick as well. Breastfeeding can create a really strong emotional bond

00:06:05 through oxytocin release. And of course it has lots of environmental and can be very cost saving for moms who are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a journey and every mom and baby is different, so be patient with yourself. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Reached out to experts and specialists. Try to find a support group and the course. Try to find a support group and the course.

00:06:31 There's apps like Concilio that are here to provide you with the tools and guidance that you need to succeed. Remember, whether you breastfeed for a few days or several years, every drop counts. So celebrate your progress and trust in your ability to nourish your baby. Thank you for joining me today for this introduction to Breastfeeding Basics. I hope you feel more informed and empowered to start your breastfeeding journey. Stay tuned for more videos! In this series,

00:06:59 we'll dive deeper into topics like common challenges, pumping and we'll dive deeper into topics like common challenges, pumping and how to increase your milk supply.

Full Transcript

[00:00:01] Your body produces milk to nourish your baby. It begins during pregnancy as your hormones prolactin and oxytocin prepare your body to produce and release milk. So once your baby is born, your body operates on a supply and demand system. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. That's why early and frequent breastfeeding is super important to establish a healthy milk supply. Whether you're a first time mom or you're looking to improve [00:00:33] your breastfeeding experience, this video is going to guide you through the basics of breastfeeding. We'll cover how lactation works, how to initiate breastfeeding, and the incredible benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. So let's get started. There are two major hormones involved when it comes to breast milk production, and that is prolactin, which stimulates milk production, and oxytocin, which triggers the milk letdown. and oxytocin, which triggers the milk letdown. [00:01:02] So your brain basically signals your body and your breast to produce milk. When prolactin levels are high and prolactin levels are increased through suckling and stimulation of the breasts. Colostrum is going to be that first milk that your body starts to produce, and you produce this during pregnancy. It is a nutrient packed first milk produced in the first few days after birth. Every mom produces colostrum. It might just look a little birth. Every mom produces colostrum. It might just look a little [00:01:31] different depending on where you're at in your journey. Usually it's this thick, yellowish substance often referred to as liquid gold. Your milk composition is going to soon transition into more mature milk around 3 to 5 days postpartum. A lot of new moms want to know when their milk is going to come in, and this is typically the standard. However, you must be removing milk frequently from the breast in order for milk production to milk frequently from the breast in order for milk production to [00:02:01] work the way it needs to. when you're first getting started with breastfeeding. Skin to skin contact is key. You want to hold your baby close to you immediately after birth, if you can, to encourage their natural feeding instincts. Babies are born with the reflex to root and latch onto the breast. It may not come easy to every mom, especially in the beginning, but with lots of patience, lots of practice, you'll both get the hang of it. lots of patience, lots of practice, you'll both get the hang of it. [00:02:31] Don't stress yourself out if you feel like your baby isn't getting enough. Remember, they're new to this and so were you. It's going to work itself out. You just keep practicing and get support if you need it. Positioning is also very crucial when it comes to breastfeeding. You'll want to find a comfortable position for you and the baby, because there's a good chance that you might be in that position for 30 to 45 minutes. You can try the cradle hold the football hold, [00:02:58] You can try the cradle hold the football hold, or side lying position. Make sure your baby's latch is deep and it's covering most of your areola, not just the nipple, because that's what's going to cause pain and cracked nipples. And it's also not giving your baby an effective latch. Milk removal is best when the most of your areola is inside the baby's mouth, and the nipple is pointing up at the roof of their mouth. You might also want to surround yourself with lots of pillows to [00:03:33] prop your arm up, and maybe rest your baby's head on, because again, you may be in that position for a long period of time and you'll want to be comfortable. As I mentioned earlier, you want to start breastfeeding within that first hour after birth, if you can. And more signs of a good latch to look out for is your baby's lips are flanged out. You're not experiencing extreme pain. lips are flanged out. You're not experiencing extreme pain. A little bit of pain in the beginning is normal because as [00:04:04] your baby is suckling. It's going to release oxytocin, which is going to trigger your body to have light contractions. So it might feel like those early labor contractions that you had in the very beginning, that is your uterus contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size. So that's a good thing. However, it can be a little uncomfortable, especially for first time moms. Another sign of a good latch is especially for first time moms. Another sign of a good latch is [00:04:33] your baby has rhythmic suckling and swallowing, and you can kind of see their jaws moving and you can hear the swallowing sounds. Address any challenges that may come up like a shallow latch really early to avoid soreness and ensure that you are getting effective feedings. Breastfeeding has countless benefits for both you and your baby. For your baby. It provides perfectly balanced For your baby. It provides perfectly balanced nutrition. It strengthens their immune [00:05:04] system and it can lower their risk of infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses for mom, breastfeeding supports the postpartum recovery by helping your uterus contract and reduce bleeding. It can also lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancers and strengthens the bond between you and your baby. It's no secret that breastfeeding has numerous nutritional benefits, and these benefits are tailored has numerous nutritional benefits, and these benefits are tailored to your baby's needs, so your breast milk actually adapts [00:05:37] and adjusts the according to your baby's age and their development. It has lots of immunological protection. Antibodies are passed through your breast milk to your baby, so that's really cool. Even if you're sick, you don't have to stop breastfeeding. Those antibodies are going to help protect your baby from being sick as well. help protect your baby from being sick as well. Breastfeeding can create a really strong emotional bond [00:06:05] through oxytocin release. And of course it has lots of environmental and can be very cost saving for moms who are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a journey and every mom and baby is different, so be patient with yourself. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Reached out to experts and specialists. Try to find a support group and the course. Try to find a support group and the course. [00:06:31] There's apps like Concilio that are here to provide you with the tools and guidance that you need to succeed. Remember, whether you breastfeed for a few days or several years, every drop counts. So celebrate your progress and trust in your ability to nourish your baby. Thank you for joining me today for this introduction to Breastfeeding Basics. I hope you feel more informed and empowered to start your breastfeeding journey. Stay tuned for more videos! In this series, [00:06:59] we'll dive deeper into topics like common challenges, pumping and we'll dive deeper into topics like common challenges, pumping and how to increase your milk supply.