The way a mother and baby are arranged during a feed has a much bigger influence on the experience than most new parents expect. Comfort, milk transfer, latch depth, and the likelihood of nipple soreness are all shaped by how the baby is held against the breast. Get the position right and feeding usually becomes calmer for everyone. Get it wrong and the same baby can struggle on the same breast with the same milk supply.
Breastfeeding positions are not just preferences. They are tools, each suited to particular bodies, particular babies, and particular phases of the early weeks after birth. The cradle hold suits some moms and frustrates others. The football hold suits some babies and confuses others. Understanding the options, alongside the basics of latch and milk supply, makes the first weeks feel more manageable and supports a positive feeding relationship over the longer term.
Quick answer: Breastfeeding positions support a deep latch, effective milk transfer, and comfort for both mom and baby. The most common positions are the cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position. Proper positioning and latch reduce nipple pain, improve milk supply over time, and enhance both the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding.
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takes 3 minutes to completeBreastfeeding begins before birth. During pregnancy, hormones prepare the breasts to produce milk so that nourishment is ready when the baby arrives. After birth, breastfeeding moves to a supply and demand system. The more often milk is removed from the breast, the stronger the signal the body receives to produce more milk.
This is why early and frequent feeding in the first days matters so much. Regular stimulation through nursing helps establish supply and supports long-term breastfeeding success. Wider breastfeeding basics around supply, demand, and the early days can also help frame what to expect, particularly during the first couple of weeks when the system is still finding its rhythm.
Two hormones do most of the work during breastfeeding.
Prolactin is responsible for milk production. Each time the baby suckles, prolactin levels rise, and the body responds by producing more milk. This is the supply side of the equation, driven directly by the demand the baby creates.
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, which is why feeding sessions often feel emotionally settling for both mom and baby. Together, prolactin and oxytocin regulate milk production, milk release, and the emotional connection that becomes part of the breastfeeding experience.
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, often slightly yellow, and is sometimes called liquid gold because it is unusually concentrated in nutrients and immune-supporting components.
This content is for educational purposes only. It has been reviewed for scientific accuracy, but it does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical questions or fertility treatment decisions.
Reviewed for scientific accuracy by: Dr. Mona Bungum
Last reviewed: May 2026
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takes 3 minutes to completeAround three to five days after birth, milk typically transitions from colostrum to more mature milk. Many new moms worry about when their milk will come in, but this transition depends largely on how frequently milk is removed. Regular nursing in the early days signals the body to scale up production. Less frequent feeding can delay the transition or reduce supply over time.
Starting breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth helps establish milk supply and supports the baby's natural feeding instincts. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery encourages babies to root toward the breast and find a latch.
Babies are born with reflexes that help them locate the breast, but breastfeeding does not always come easily at first. Both mom and baby are learning a new skill. Patience, practice, and support are essential during the early days, and traditional postnatal frameworks such as Ayurveda for pregnancy and birth often emphasise rest, nourishment, and gentle support during this transition for similar reasons.
Breastfeeding positions affect how well the baby latches, how effectively milk is removed, and how comfortable feeding feels for mom. A poor position tends to lead to a shallow latch, nipple pain, and inefficient feeding. A good position supports both comfort and effective milk transfer.
Feeding sessions can last 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes longer in the first weeks. At that duration, comfort is not optional. Pillows used to support the arms, the baby, and sometimes the back can make a significant difference, especially during cluster feeding or in the middle of the night.
Three positions cover most of what new moms need in the first months. Each has its strengths, and most moms end up rotating between them depending on the situation.
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 a clear line of sight to the baby's face. It is often used once breastfeeding is well established, since it offers less initial control than other holds.
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 gives more control over head positioning. It is also commonly used after a caesarean, since the baby's weight is kept away from the abdomen.
The side-lying position allows mom and baby to lie on their sides facing each other. This position is useful for nighttime feeds, after a difficult birth, or when mom simply needs to rest while feeding. Careful alignment of the baby's mouth with the nipple matters more in this position than in upright holds, since gravity is not helping with positioning.
A proper breastfeeding latch is essential for both effective feeding and comfort. A shallow latch is the single most common cause of nipple pain, cracked nipples, and inefficient milk transfer in the early weeks. A deep latch allows the baby to feed efficiently and protects the mother's tissue from damage.
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, which allows the baby's tongue and jaw to work effectively against the breast rather than against the nipple itself.
Several signs indicate that the baby is latching well:
Some discomfort at the very start of a feed can be normal, particularly as oxytocin is released and triggers uterine contractions. Ongoing pain throughout the feed is not normal and should be addressed early rather than worked around. Persistent pain almost always indicates that something about position or latch can be improved.
If latch issues occur, addressing them early can prevent soreness and feeding difficulties from compounding. Adjusting positioning, ensuring proper alignment, and seeking support from a lactation consultant, midwife, or experienced peer can usually resolve early latch problems quickly.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mom and baby. With practice and support, latch and positioning typically improve over the first few weeks. Most early breastfeeding challenges are not signs that breastfeeding will not work. They are signs that the partnership is still being built.
Effective milk removal is essential for maintaining milk supply. When milk is removed efficiently, the body receives the signal to continue producing milk. A deep latch and proper positioning are the two most reliable ways to make sure that signal is being sent.
Frequent feeding in the early days supports milk production and helps establish a strong supply. Skipping feeds, over-spacing them, or supplementing with formula without medical reason can all dampen the signal. The system is responsive, but it responds best to consistent demand.
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 offer protection against infections and illnesses. The composition of breast milk changes across a single feed, across a day, and across the months of nursing, which is one of the most extraordinary features of the biology.
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of allergies and certain chronic conditions and supports healthy long-term development. Even when mom is unwell, breastfeeding continues to provide protective antibodies to the baby, often before mom herself realises she is fighting something off.
Breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery by helping the uterus contract and reducing postpartum bleeding. Over the longer term, it is associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers and supports emotional bonding through repeated oxytocin release.
Beyond the physical, breastfeeding can be cost-saving and environmentally lighter than formula feeding, offering benefits well beyond nutrition alone. A wider view of the emotional benefits for mom and baby is often what new mothers find most reassuring during the demanding early weeks, when the practical and emotional sides of the experience are running together.
Oxytocin released during breastfeeding supports emotional bonding between mom and baby. The same hormone that drives milk let-down also drives feelings of calm, connection, and tenderness, which is part of why breastfeeding so often feels emotionally regulating even when it is physically demanding.
Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Whether breastfeeding lasts a few days, a few months, or several years, every feed contributes to nourishment, immune protection, and bonding. The relationship matters more than the duration.
Breastfeeding looks different for every mom and baby. Seeking support from professionals, peer groups, or trusted resources can make a meaningful difference in the early weeks. Building supportive communities around the experience, whether in person or online, is one of the most consistent protective factors when challenges arise.
Building confidence in breastfeeding takes time. Celebrating progress, asking for help when needed, and trusting the body's capacity to nourish the baby all support a positive experience. The postpartum period can also be stressful in unexpected ways, and tools for managing stress often improve the breastfeeding picture indirectly by supporting recovery and sleep.
Underneath the practical advice sits a more important point. Breastfeeding asks a lot of the body and the mind, and the foundation that keeps it sustainable is self-care and self-compassion. A mother who is rested, fed, and supported has a different relationship with feeding challenges than one who is depleted, and the difference shows up quickly in how the early weeks unfold.
These are some of the most common questions people search for about breastfeeding positions, latch, and the early weeks of breastfeeding.
The cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position are the three most commonly recommended for newborns. The football hold and side-lying position are often easier for the first weeks, since they give more control over the baby's head and positioning. The cradle hold tends to come into its own once latch is well established.
Position the baby so their mouth is wide open before bringing them to the breast. The baby's mouth should cover most of the areola, not just the nipple, with the nipple aimed toward the roof of their mouth. Lips should be flanged outward and the latch should feel comfortable after the initial seal.
The football hold and side-lying position are often most comfortable after a caesarean, because both keep the baby's weight away from the abdominal incision. The cradle hold can usually be reintroduced once the abdomen feels less tender.
Newborn feeds can last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes per session, sometimes longer during growth spurts. As the baby grows and becomes more efficient, feeds typically shorten. Length matters less than effective milk transfer and the baby seeming settled afterwards.
Most newborns feed eight to twelve times in 24 hours during the first weeks. Feeding on cue, rather than on a strict schedule, supports milk supply establishment and aligns with the baby's natural rhythms. Frequency typically decreases as the baby grows.
Steady weight gain after the early days, regular wet and dirty nappies, audible swallowing during feeds, and a baby who seems settled after feeds are the most reliable signs. Counting feeds is less informative than observing these wider patterns.
A brief stretch of discomfort at the start of a feed can be normal as oxytocin triggers uterine contractions. Pain that continues through the feed, causes nipple damage, or builds across days is not normal and almost always reflects a fixable issue with latch or position.
Mature milk typically comes in three to five days after birth. Colostrum is available immediately after delivery and is enough for a newborn's needs during this period. Frequent breastfeeding in the first days helps signal the body to transition to mature milk on time.
Breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery by helping the uterus contract, lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and supports emotional bonding through oxytocin release. It can also be cost-saving and is generally environmentally lighter than formula feeding.
Breast milk provides balanced nutrition that adapts to the baby's needs, antibodies that support immunity, and a lower risk of certain allergies and chronic conditions. Even brief breastfeeding offers protective effects that compound the longer feeding continues.
Reach out early if pain is persistent, if the baby is struggling to gain weight, if latch is hard to establish, or if breastfeeding feels overwhelming. Most early issues resolve quickly with the right support. Waiting tends to make small problems compound.
Breastfeeding positions, latch, and comfort sit at the centre of a successful breastfeeding experience. Understanding how the supply and demand system works, how positioning influences latch, and how to recognise the signs of effective feeding can take a lot of uncertainty out of the early weeks. The three core positions, alongside attention to deep latch and frequent feeding, cover most of what new moms need to know.
Every mom-and-baby pair finds their own rhythm, and the path is rarely a straight line. With patience, practice, and the right support around you, breastfeeding can become a nourishing and rewarding part of the postnatal experience for both physical and emotional reasons. The body usually knows what to do. The job is to give it the conditions to do it well.
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.
