Different Ways To Hold Your Baby When Breastfeeding

Every woman will have a special and unique experience when it comes to breastfeeding. Whether you nurse for a short time or a long one, you MUST do so in a way that is comfortable and effective for both you and your baby!

Are you on the lookout for different ways to hold your baby when breastfeeding? If you answered YES, then you are in the right place.

In this article, we will deep-dive into how to set yourself up for success with breastfeeding. We will discuss our 7 favorite holds to keep you and your little one feeling comfortable, PLUS we will share the equipment that you will need to breastfeed conveniently and successfully.

SPOILER ALERT! One trick to ensuring that you are comfortable while breastfeeding is to ensure that you are dressed for success. In this article, we will share our 3 favorite nursing bras, all available from ​​Momanda!

Different Breastfeeding Holds

Did you know that there are many different ways to hold your baby to breastfeed them? Here are some holds you may not have tried before.

📌Laidback 

Did you know that “latching” is instinctual for babies? Before they have ever even attempted to nurse before, in the first moments of life, you will see them suckling and searching for the breast.

This hold is common for newborns and small infants. Recline on your bed or on a comfortable chair and have your baby lay vertically on your torso, with their mouth within reach of your breast. With your guidance, they will be able to comfortably latch on!

📌Cradle 

This is probably the position you automatically imagine when you think of breastfeeding. Cradle position is a great way to nurse your baby while being able to make eye contact and interact with them.

Lay your baby horizontally across your body (utilizing a nursing pillow for support). Turn your baby’s body inward slightly towards you, to make it easy for your baby to have a wide, strong latch to the breast.

📌Football Hold

The football hold is a great hold for moms who are recovering from a Cesarean section, as it keeps any pressure away from the abdominal area.

Instead of laying your baby horizontally across the front of your body, position the baby directly beside you, with their head pointing forward, and their toes pointing back. They should be tucked comfortably under your armpit, with their head reaching the breast area, where their mouth can then latch on.

📌Laying Side by Side

This is another great position for nursing if you have had a C-section as it requires no lifting or pressure. Lay beside your baby so your bodies are parallel to one another.

Lay on your side so that you are facing your baby, and position your baby on their side (facing towards you) so that they can easily access the breast.

*Note: This position is not a sleep-safe position. The mom should always be awake and alert when nursing.

📌Koala Hold

This position works well for older babies who have a bit more awareness and experience breastfeeding.

The baby straddles the lap of their mother and sits upright while nursing.

📌Dangle Feeds

This position is not a typical go-to position for nursing, but it works well if the mother is suffering from breast engorgement or mastitis, as it is a productive position for emptying the breast.

Lay the baby on their back, facing upwards. The mom will then position herself on all fours, dangling the breast over the baby’s mouth, allowing the baby to latch on there.

📌Carrier Feeds

This is another position that works best with an older infant who is familiar with breastfeeding.

Put your baby inside the baby carrier. Adjust the carrier straps so that the baby’s mouth is on the level of the carrier’s nipple. Once secured, you can enjoy hands-free nursing that also allows you to multitask!

Equipment to Breastfeed Conveniently and Successfully

While breastfeeding technically requires ZERO “equipment” (making it the most convenient form of feeding), there are some tools that are worth investing in to make your journey easier.

Here are some items to stock up on if you are considering breastfeeding!

1. A well-fitting nursing bra

Investing in a specialty bra may sound like something that can be procrastinated, or even completely put off. However, deciding to go without a nursing bra will make your journey more complicated, messier, and quite discouraging.

While searching for a well-fitting nursing bra, consider the following factors:

• Fabric and material
• Accessibility to the breast 
• Do you prefer clips, clasps, or a pull-down style?
• Size and fit
• If ordering online, is there a sizing chart available?

It is important to select a nursing bra from a company that you trust- preferably one with consistently positive reviews.

At Momanda, we strive to create nursing bras that are comfortable, functional, and beautiful for women from every background. Here are some of our top-rated, most loved bras that are available on our website:

📌Double Strap Nursing Bralette 

Who said that nursing bras couldn’t be sheer, sexy, and super cute?! This bra features:

• Twins strap design
• Super comfortable, wireless, and light lining
• Easy-open breastfeeding clips
• An adjustable hook and eye closure

📌Lace Plunge Nursing Bralette

This practical, yet feminine, nursing bra is the #1 pick on our website. This bra features:

• Low-cut, plunging neckline
• Cute floral design
• Ultra-soft lace fabric (no itching!)
• Lightly lined molded cups (preventing leakage)
• Easy-open breastfeeding clips
• Triangle cups that shape the breast
• Extended hook and eye closure (to support a changing figure)

📌Full Coverage Padded Nursing Bra 

Every mom (or mom-to-be!) needs this classy, comfortable bra in their collection. This bra features:

• Breathable, 100% cotton material
• Wireless and lightly lined support that prevents restriction
• Wide strap options for extra support
• Easy-open breastfeeding clips
• Extended hook and eye closures

2. A nursing pillow

There are many types of nursing pillows available, so it is important to consider what size and shape nursing pillows will be the most beneficial for you.

Here are some things to conside

• Shape - The purpose of a nursing pillow is to support you so that your baby can rest comfortably while nursing, without your arm getting exhausted. A common pillow shape is a “wide U” shape, that allows the baby to lay their body across the pillow, while still providing the mom with room to rest her elbow from the arm that is supporting her head.
• Firmness - Firmness is a personal preference. In the same way that everyone prefers a different level of bed softness, you and your baby will be most comfortable with a level of firmness that is unique to you! Don’t be afraid to test out pillows in stores, or to ask a friend to test their pillow to see if it is what is right for you.
• Durability - True durability is a feature that can be confirmed only over time. Thankfully, the power of the internet gives moms access to reviews! Talk to your friends, read reviews, and check ratings to find out how the pillow of your dreams will withstand the test of time

3. A comfortable spot 

While you are learning how to breastfeed, the last thing you need is a kink in your neck or a strain in your back due to uncomfortable seating.

Prepare a comfortable seat for yourself, equipped with pillows, blankets, and anything else you may need to get the job done. If possible, position yourself with a table within reach, that you can keep stocked with water, snacks, a phone charger, and a lamp.

Breastfeeding is an incredibly personal journey that looks vastly different from woman to woman. By exploring your options about breastfeeding holds and nursing essentials, you increase your chances of having a positive overall experience.

If you are currently breastfeeding and are struggling to find a breastfeeding position that compliments your baby’s latch, connect with a lactation consultant or healthcare professional near you.