Ah, breastfeeding. That magical, natural, supposedly intuitive thing that, in reality, often feels like an Olympic sport—one where you’re undertrained, your opponent (tiny but fierce) is unpredictable, and the rules seem to change daily. No one tells you that, though, do they? They just hand you a baby and expect you to instinctively know what to do. Ha.

If you’ve ever found yourself hunched over, cradling your baby while thinking, Surely, this isn’t how it’s meant to feel?, welcome to the club. But don’t worry—this is where a few well-tested breastfeeding positions come in. Not just the ones in glossy pamphlets that make it all look serene and effortless, but the ones that actually work in real, sleep-deprived life.

1. The “Cradle Hold” – A Classic, but Not Always Comfortable

TThis is the one you see in all the baby books: baby nestled in your arms, all peaceful and perfect. In reality? You’re probably hunched forward like a human question mark, your arms are cramping, and your shoulder blades feel like they’ve aged 30 years.

How to Sit Comfortably:

• Choose a chair or sofa where your feet can rest flat on the floor—if your thighs slope downward, baby might start rolling off.
• Use a cushion or a breastfeeding pillow under your arm to support baby’s weight and avoid strain on your shoulders.
• Keep your back supported and try not to lean forward—bring baby to your breast, not the other way around.

When It Works Best:

• When you’re sitting upright and have enough back support.
• If your baby latches like a pro, meaning minimal adjustments.

When It’s a Nightmare:

• If you have any pre-existing back or joint pain (hello, older mums!), this position might make things worse.
• If you have a newborn who treats latching like an unsolvable puzzle.
• If you don’t have enough support and end up contorted in pain.
• If your legs don’t suit the chair, causing your thighs to slope down and baby to roll off (cue panic!).
• If you’re having to support the entire weight of your baby with just your arms—this is where a cushion becomes your best friend!

I’ve even breastfed on a park bench, elbow propped on my handbag, hoping I wouldn’t lose circulation in my arm before baby was full. (See photo evidence in the feature image abocve!) Sometimes, you just make it work! 😄

2. The Rugby Hold – For Mums Who Need Elbow Room

This one is brilliant for keeping baby tucked under your arm, like a tiny rugby ball. Ideal if you’ve had a C-section or if you just want some breathing room (literally). Also useful if you’ve got twins—because really, how else are you supposed to do this?

How to Sit Comfortably:

• Sit in a supportive chair with a cushion or pillow under your arm to avoid wrist strain.
• Position baby’s body along your side with their feet pointing toward the back of the chair.
• Use another pillow behind your back for support, especially if you’re recovering from surgery.

Why You Might Love It:

• Less strain on your back and shoulders—win!
• Leaves a free hand for snacks, scrolling, or taking a sip of the cold tea you forgot about an hour ago.

Why It Can Be Tricky:

• You need good pillow support or your arm will stage a protest.
• Some babies simply refuse to play along.
• If you have any wrist or shoulder issues (hello, older mums!), holding baby in this position for extended periods might not be ideal.

This one is brilliant for keeping baby tucked under your arm, like a tiny rugby ball. Ideal if you’ve had a C-section or if you just want some breathing room (literally). Also useful if you’ve got twins—because really, how else are you supposed to do this?

3. Side-Lying – The Midnight Saviour

This one is an absolute lifesaver when you’re exhausted beyond words. You’re lying down. Baby is lying down. It’s basically lazy feeding—and I say that with deep appreciation!

How to Get Comfortable:

• Lie on your side with a pillow behind your back for support.
• Make sure baby is positioned belly-to-belly with you.
• Some mums find it helpful to put a folded towel or small pillow under baby’s head to keep them at breast level.

Why It’s Brilliant:

• Perfect for night feeds when sitting up feels like climbing Everest.
• Great if you’re recovering from a C-section and need to take it easy.

Why It’s Not for Everyone:

• Takes some practice to get the angle just right.
• You might worry about rolling over if you’re a light sleeper (totally fair!).
• Older mums or those with joint issues might find getting in and out of this position tricky—especially if the bed/mattress isn’t at the right height!

This one is the real MVP. You’re lying down. Baby is lying down. It’s basically lazy feeding—and I say that with deep appreciation.

The first time I used this position during the night, I told my half-sleeping husband to be careful not to roll over and squash our bubba. He was so careful and rolled so far the other way that he nearly fell out of the other side of the bed and woke up with a jolt! 😄🤭

4. Koala Hold – The Upright Option

Got a reflux-y baby? This might just save your sanity. Baby sits upright while feeding, clinging to you like a mini-koala. Bonus: this one works while babywearing, meaning you can technically breastfeed while doing something else. Multitasking level: expert.

Pros:

• Great for babies with reflux or older babies who want to be part of the action.
• Saves your back from the dreaded hunch-over position.

Cons:

• Can be tricky for newborns who are still figuring things out.
• You’ll need good arm support unless you have superhuman strength.

Going with the flow

Sometimes, this flexibility can lead to rather comical situations – like the one I found myself in one evening early on: It was baby bath time and my bubba was happily floating on her comfy bathing cushion, with me carefully pushing it around in the warm bathwater. Everything seemed serene until the mood abruptly shifted; waaaah, she was hungry!  In that moment, I managed to keep calm and spontaneously came up with an unconventional yet strangely practical solution. I decided to float her cushion in a way that positioned her tiny head underneath my breast, and there, amidst the bubbles and warm water, I offered her a quick snack!

As bizarre as it felt, it was undeniably an experience I won’t forget! I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. I mean, who would have thought we’d be breastfeeding in the bath? Yet, as I watched her calm little face and felt the warmth of the bathwater, I realised it was like a tiny baby paradise – floating in the soothing water, with delicious milk on tap! Parenthood has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and moments like these are a precious reminder of the joys hidden within its unpredictability, if we’re able to embrace it!

Final Thoughts: There’s No One ‘Right’ Way

There’s a lot of pressure on new mums to get it right, but let’s be real—every baby is different, every mum is different, and there is no universal “right” way. The best position? The one that doesn’t leave you in agony and actually gets milk into your baby. Simple as that.

And if breastfeeding just isn’t happening? That’s okay too. A fed baby is a happy baby, whether by breast, bottle, or a mix of both. No judgement, no pressure—just real-life parenting with all its beautiful (and chaotic) moments.

Now, go forth and find a position that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. Your body will thank you!

OVER TO YOU: Did you find this helpful? Have a go-to position that saved your sanity? And what’s the most unusual or unexpected place or position you’ve fed your baby in? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked (or hilariously didn’t) for you!