How to Breastfeed: Complete Guide to Positions and Latch

How Do I Prepare for Breastfeeding?

Prepare for breastfeeding by washing your hands, finding a comfortable position with good back support, having water nearby, and avoiding strongly scented products. Your baby prefers your natural scent, which helps them locate the breast and feel secure during feeding.

Before you begin breastfeeding, taking a few moments to prepare yourself and your environment can make a significant difference in both your comfort and your baby's ability to feed effectively. The preparation phase is often overlooked, but it sets the foundation for a successful breastfeeding session.

First and foremost, clean hands are essential. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your breasts or nipples to help prevent infections such as mastitis or thrush. This simple step becomes even more important if you have been handling items outside the home or changing diapers.

Your baby has an incredibly sensitive sense of smell and relies on it to locate your breast and feel comforted during feeding. Strong fragrances from perfumes, scented lotions, or heavily scented deodorants can interfere with this natural process. Many babies become confused or agitated when they cannot detect their mother's natural scent, making latching more difficult.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Breastfeeding sessions can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, especially in the early weeks. Holding your baby in the correct position while feeding can be physically demanding on your neck, shoulders, and arms. Taking time to set up properly prevents discomfort and allows you to relax during the feeding.

Choose a spot where you can sit or recline with adequate back support. Many mothers find that a comfortable chair with armrests, a bed with pillows for support, or a dedicated nursing chair works well. Have everything you might need within arm's reach before you begin:

• Water or other hydrating beverages - breastfeeding can make you very thirsty
• Pillows or cushions for positioning support
• Nursing pillow or rolled towels to support baby's weight
• Burp cloths for spit-up
• Your phone or a book if you want entertainment during longer sessions

Maintaining Connection During Feeding

Breastfeeding is not merely about nutrition; it is a powerful bonding experience between you and your baby. Being fully present during feeding strengthens this connection and helps your baby feel secure. Eye contact is particularly important - when your baby looks up at you while nursing, meeting their gaze creates a moment of profound connection that supports healthy emotional development.

Try to minimize distractions during feeding times, especially in the early weeks while you and your baby are still learning. While it may be tempting to scroll through your phone or watch television, focusing on your baby helps you notice feeding cues, recognize when they need to switch sides, and identify any problems with the latch early on.

How Do I Know When My Baby Wants to Eat?

Watch for early hunger cues: rooting (turning head when cheek is touched), bringing hands to mouth, lip smacking, and sucking motions. Feed before crying begins, as an upset baby is harder to latch. Hunger cues progress from subtle movements to active searching to crying.

Learning to recognize your baby's hunger signals is one of the most important skills you will develop as a new parent. Babies communicate their needs through a predictable sequence of behaviors that become more intense the hungrier they get. Responding to early cues leads to more successful feeding sessions because a calm baby latches more easily than a distressed one.

The goal is to offer the breast when your baby shows early hunger cues, before they become upset and start crying. Crying is actually a late hunger sign, and by the time your baby reaches this point, they may be too frustrated to latch properly. You may need to calm them first by holding them close, talking softly, or providing skin-to-skin contact before attempting to feed.

The Three Stages of Hunger Cues

Early cues (I'm starting to get hungry): These subtle signals indicate your baby is beginning to wake and feel hungry. This is the ideal time to offer the breast. Early cues include:

• Stirring from sleep or becoming more alert
• Opening and closing the mouth
• Turning the head from side to side
• Sticking out the tongue or licking lips
• Bringing hands toward the face

Active cues (I'm really hungry now): If early cues are missed, your baby will show more obvious signs of hunger. The baby becomes more restless and the signals more pronounced:

• Stretching and increased body movement
• Rooting - turning toward anything that touches their cheek
• Trying to position for feeding (moving toward the breast)
• Sucking on hands, fists, or fingers
• Making small sounds or soft fussing noises
• Rapid eye movements

Late cues (I'm very hungry and upset): By this stage, baby is distressed and may need soothing before feeding:

• Increased fussiness and agitation
• Crying and turning red in the face
• Moving head frantically from side to side
• Full body movement and flailing limbs

What Are the Best Breastfeeding Positions?

The most common breastfeeding positions are upright/cradle hold, laid-back/reclined position, and side-lying. Each has benefits for different situations. The key principle is tummy-to-tummy contact with baby's body aligned so ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.

There is no single "correct" breastfeeding position - the best position is one that works for you and your baby. Most mothers find it helpful to learn several different positions, as different situations call for different approaches. For example, side-lying is excellent for night feeds or after cesarean birth, while the cradle hold works well when out and about.

Regardless of which position you choose, several principles apply universally. Your baby should be held close with their whole body facing you - tummy to tummy. Their head, shoulders, and hips should be aligned in a straight line rather than twisted. Baby's nose should be at nipple level before latching, and you should bring baby to the breast rather than leaning forward to bring the breast to baby.

Upright or Cradle Hold

The upright position, often called the cradle hold, is perhaps the most commonly used breastfeeding position. Sit upright with good back support, feet flat on the floor. Hold your baby across your body so their head rests in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast you are using, while your hand and forearm support their body.

This position allows excellent eye contact and gives you a clear view of baby's latch. It works well once breastfeeding is established, though some find it harder in the very early days when learning to latch. Using pillows to bring baby up to breast level reduces strain on your arms and shoulders. Some mothers prefer a slight variation called the cross-cradle hold, where the opposite arm supports baby's body, giving more control over head positioning during latching.

Laid-Back or Reclined Position

Also called biological nurturing, this position uses gravity and your baby's natural reflexes to facilitate feeding. Recline comfortably at about a 45-degree angle - somewhere between sitting and lying flat. Your baby lies on your chest with their head between or beside your breasts.

This position is particularly beneficial for newborns and in the early days of breastfeeding. When placed on their mother's chest, babies instinctively use their arms and legs to push themselves toward the breast and latch on. This position requires less active support from you, making it restful and allowing gravity to help baby maintain a deep latch. It is also helpful if you have a fast let-down (strong milk flow) or if baby tends to slip off the breast.

Side-Lying Position

For side-lying breastfeeding, lie on your side with one or two pillows under your head for comfort. Your baby lies facing you, also on their side, with their body aligned along yours. Pull baby close so their mouth is at nipple level - you may need to adjust your body position or use a rolled towel behind baby's back to keep them in place.

This position is invaluable for night feeds as you can rest while baby nurses. It is also excellent after cesarean section when sitting up is painful, or any time you need rest. Ensure your baby's nose is free for breathing. Some mothers worry about safety with this position; keeping the sleeping surface firm and free of soft bedding, pillows near baby, and blankets reduces risks.

How Do I Get My Baby to Latch Correctly?

A correct latch means baby takes a large mouthful of breast tissue (not just nipple), lips are flanged outward, more areola is visible above baby's mouth than below, and feeding is comfortable after initial attachment. The nipple should be deep in baby's mouth, toward the soft palate.

Getting a good latch is arguably the most important skill in breastfeeding. A proper latch allows your baby to efficiently extract milk, stimulates your milk supply, and prevents painful nipple damage. When baby latches correctly, they compress the breast tissue behind the nipple with their jaw and tongue, drawing milk into their mouth through a wavelike motion.

A shallow latch - where baby takes only the nipple into their mouth - causes problems for both of you. Your nipple gets pinched between baby's hard palate and tongue, causing pain and damage. Meanwhile, baby cannot extract milk efficiently because the milk sinuses located behind the areola are not being compressed. This leads to frustration, inadequate feeding, and declining milk supply.

Step-by-Step Guide to Latching

Follow these steps to help your baby achieve a deep, comfortable latch:

1. Position your baby correctly - Hold baby close with their whole body facing you. Their nose should be level with your nipple before latching. Support behind baby's shoulders and neck, but avoid pushing on the back of their head.
2. Wait for a wide open mouth - Brush your nipple lightly against baby's lips or cheek. This triggers the rooting reflex, causing baby to turn toward you and open wide. Wait for a BIG mouth - like a yawn - before bringing baby to breast.
3. Bring baby to breast quickly - When mouth is wide open, bring baby to you (not breast to baby) in a swift movement. Baby's chin should touch the breast first, with head tilted slightly back. Aim your nipple toward baby's upper palate.
4. Check the latch - Look for signs of a good latch (described below). Listen for swallowing sounds. If painful or latch looks shallow, break suction gently and try again.

Signs of a Good Latch

How do you know if your baby has latched correctly? Look for these indicators:

• Lips flanged outward - Both upper and lower lips should be turned out (like fish lips), not tucked in
• Large mouthful of breast - Baby should have a significant portion of the areola in their mouth, not just the nipple
• Asymmetric latch - More areola should be visible above baby's mouth than below, because the lower jaw does most of the work
• Chin touching breast - Baby's chin should be pressed into the breast while nose is clear or only lightly touching
• Rounded cheeks - Cheeks should be full and rounded, not sucked in or dimpled
• Comfortable feeding - After any initial tenderness (in the first few seconds), feeding should not hurt
• Visible jaw movement - You should see movement at baby's temples as they suck, indicating deep jaw motion
• Audible swallowing - Listen for soft "kuh" sounds indicating milk is being swallowed

Signs of a Poor Latch

These warning signs indicate baby has not latched deeply enough and you should gently break the latch and try again:

• Ongoing pain throughout the feed - Some discomfort in the first days is normal, but sustained pain is not
• Clicking or smacking sounds - This indicates baby is breaking suction repeatedly
• Sucked-in cheeks - Dimpled cheeks during feeding suggest shallow latch
• Baby slips off repeatedly - Baby keeps losing grip and searching for nipple again
• Nipple shape after feeding - Your nipple should emerge rounded. If it looks pinched, flattened, angled like a new lipstick, or has a visible ridge, the latch was too shallow

When Baby Struggles to Latch

Sometimes babies have difficulty getting a good grip, particularly if your breasts are very full and tense. Hand expressing a small amount of milk before feeding can soften the breast and make the nipple easier to grasp. Cup your breast with your hand in a "C" shape and gently compress to express a few drops.

If you have flat or inverted nipples, try rolling the nipple gently between your fingers to help it protrude before latching. A breast pump used briefly can also help draw out the nipple. Many babies, however, can latch effectively regardless of nipple shape once they learn proper technique - they are nursing from the breast, not the nipple. A nipple shield may be helpful temporarily in some cases.

How Does Baby Suck During Breastfeeding?

Baby first sucks with rapid, shallow movements to trigger milk let-down. Once milk flows, sucking becomes slower and deeper with rhythmic pauses for swallowing. You may hear soft swallowing sounds. Baby typically releases the breast when satisfied, and may want to switch to the second breast or be finished.

Understanding what happens during a breastfeeding session helps you recognize normal feeding patterns and identify when something might be wrong. Breastfeeding involves a sophisticated interaction between your baby's sucking and your body's milk ejection reflex (let-down).

When baby first latches, they begin with quick, short sucks. This non-nutritive sucking stimulates your nipple and triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone that causes your milk to "let down." You may feel a tingling sensation, fullness, or even mild cramping in your uterus when let-down occurs. Some mothers feel nothing at all - this is also normal.

Once the milk starts flowing, baby's sucking pattern changes dramatically. The sucks become slower, deeper, and more rhythmic. You will notice baby's jaw moving in wide, circular motions extending up to the ears. There should be regular pauses during which you hear soft swallowing sounds - evidence that baby is getting milk. The pattern typically looks like: suck-suck-suck-swallow-pause-suck-suck-suck-swallow-pause.

When the Feeding Slows

As baby drains the first breast, the milk flow slows and they may pause more frequently. Baby often releases the breast naturally when satisfied with that side. Some babies are content with one breast per feeding; others want both. Always let baby finish the first breast completely (until they release or fall asleep) before offering the second.

Why does this matter? The milk composition changes throughout a feeding. The milk at the beginning (foremilk) is higher in lactose and more watery; the milk toward the end (hindmilk) is richer in fat and calories. Allowing baby to fully drain each breast ensures they get the satisfying hindmilk and signals your body to continue producing adequate supply.

When Milk is Slow to Come

The hormone oxytocin, essential for milk release, is sensitive to stress. If you are tired, anxious, or upset, let-down may be delayed. This is frustrating for both you and baby, but there are strategies that help:

• Take time to relax before feeding - deep breathing, shoulder rolls, calming music
• Ensure you are comfortable and well-supported
• Try a warm compress or shower before feeding to encourage milk flow
• Gentle breast massage, stroking from chest toward nipple
• Look at your baby, smell their head, or look at photos of them
• Skin-to-skin contact often helps

When Baby Does Not Start Sucking

Sometimes a positioned baby does not begin to suck even though they are at the breast. This may happen if baby is too sleepy, not hungry, or frustrated. You can encourage sucking by:

• Expressing a few drops of milk onto your nipple to entice baby
• Gently stimulating baby by stroking their cheek or back
• If baby is very frustrated, letting them suck briefly on your clean finger before trying the breast again
• Unwrapping or undressing baby slightly to wake them up

Should I Breastfeed on One or Both Breasts?

Let baby finish the first breast completely (until they release) before offering the second. Some babies are satisfied with one breast; others need both. Alternate which breast you start with at each feeding to maintain balanced milk production in both breasts.

There is no universal rule about whether babies should feed from one or both breasts at each session - it depends on your milk supply, your baby's appetite, and the time of day. What matters is allowing baby to fully drain one breast before switching, and alternating sides over the course of the day.

Let your baby nurse on the first breast until they spontaneously release, fall asleep, or significantly slow their sucking. Then offer the second breast. If they want it, great. If they do not show interest, that is fine too - simply start the next feeding on the breast you did not use (or the one used briefly).

Alternating which breast you start with at each feeding helps maintain approximately equal milk production in both breasts. Many mothers find it helpful to use a reminder system - a safety pin on your bra strap, a bracelet switched between wrists, or a simple note - to remember which side is next.

Why Is Burping Important After Breastfeeding?

Newborns swallow air during feeding which can cause discomfort and gas. Burping by holding baby upright and gently patting their back helps release trapped air. Not all babies need extensive burping, especially breastfed babies who tend to swallow less air than bottle-fed babies.

During feeding, babies inevitably swallow some air along with milk. This trapped air can cause discomfort, fussiness, and excessive gas. Helping your baby release this air through burping provides relief and can prevent them from spitting up large amounts of milk later.

Breastfed babies typically swallow less air than bottle-fed babies because the breast forms a better seal around baby's mouth. However, some breastfed babies still benefit from burping, particularly if they are fussy during or after feeds, seem uncomfortable, or have reflux.

How to Burp Your Baby

The most common burping position is holding baby upright against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support baby's head and back with one hand while gently patting or rubbing their back with the other. The pressure of being held upright helps air bubbles rise and escape.

Alternative positions include sitting baby on your lap with your hand supporting their chest and chin while rubbing their back, or laying baby face-down across your lap. Some babies prefer one position over others, so experiment to find what works.

Do not expect a big burp every time. Some babies burp easily; others rarely do. If baby seems comfortable and does not burp after a few minutes of gentle patting, they may not have much air to release. Excessive focus on burping an already comfortable baby is unnecessary.

How Do I Breastfeed Twins?

Breastfeeding twins is possible and many mothers do it successfully. Tandem nursing (both babies simultaneously) saves time and boosts milk production. Use supportive pillows and the football/clutch hold. Initially, feed one at a time to establish latch technique before attempting tandem feeding.

Breastfeeding two babies takes more time and organization, but with good support, most mothers of twins can do it successfully. Your body is capable of producing enough milk for two babies - supply responds to demand, and with two babies nursing, your supply will increase accordingly.

In the early days, it often works better to feed one baby at a time while you are all learning. This allows you to focus on each baby's latch without the added complexity of managing two. Once breastfeeding is established with both babies (usually within the first few weeks), you can begin tandem nursing - feeding both simultaneously.

Tandem Nursing Positions

Tandem feeding saves significant time - a major advantage when you have two hungry babies and limited hours. The most common position for tandem nursing is the double football (clutch) hold. Both babies are tucked under your arms with their bodies alongside yours and feet pointing behind you. Their heads are positioned at your breasts while the rest of their bodies are supported by firm pillows.

An alternative is placing one baby in the cradle hold while the other is in the football hold on the opposite side. Some mothers lay both babies across their body parallel to each other (the double cradle). A specially designed twin nursing pillow makes these positions much easier by supporting both babies at breast level.

Practical Tips for Twin Breastfeeding

Because both breasts are being stimulated simultaneously during tandem nursing, your milk production typically increases more than when feeding one at a time. However, if your babies have different sucking strengths or appetites, your breasts may produce slightly different amounts. Switching which baby starts on which breast (daily or per feeding) helps keep production balanced.

Some mothers of twins combine breastfeeding with expressed milk or formula, especially in the beginning. This allows for more flexibility with feeding schedules and enables partners to help. There is no single right approach - what matters is finding a system that works for your family while ensuring both babies are well-nourished.

Where Can I Get Help with Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding challenges are common and help is available. Contact your pediatrician, midwife, hospital lactation consultant, or local breastfeeding support groups. Early intervention leads to better outcomes - seek help at the first sign of difficulty rather than struggling alone for weeks.

It is completely normal for breastfeeding to take time to establish. Many mothers experience challenges in the early weeks - from sore nipples to latching difficulties to concerns about milk supply. These challenges do not mean you are doing anything wrong or that breastfeeding will not work for you. However, they do warrant seeking support.

The sooner you get help when something is not working, the more likely you are to overcome the issue successfully. Problems that persist for weeks become harder to resolve than those addressed in the first few days. Do not hesitate to reach out even for what seems like a minor concern.

Sources of Breastfeeding Support

• Hospital or birthing center staff - In the first days, nurses and lactation consultants can observe feedings and help with positioning and latch
• Your pediatrician or family doctor - They can assess baby's weight gain and overall health, refer to specialists if needed
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) - These are specialists trained in breastfeeding management; many offer home visits
• Local breastfeeding support groups - Organizations like La Leche League offer peer support and counseling
• Community health centers - Many offer free breastfeeding support services
• Telephone and online support lines - Various organizations offer 24-hour helplines staffed by trained counselors