Positioning & Attachement: Latch

Getting Comfortable with Breastfeeding: Positioning & Attachment.

Breastfeeding is a natural journey that can take a little time to feel completely comfortable with it even for parents who have breastfed before. In the past, we had a wide community to learn from and to lean on, but nowadays many new parents start with limited if any first-hand experience of breastfeeding and limited if any support at all. With the right support, patience, and determination, you have the ability to achieve your breastfeeding goals. We are here to guide and support you through every step of the journey.

Why Positioning & Attachment Matter

Good positioning and attachment are essential for both mother and baby:

• a comfortable and effective positioning can help baby achieving a deep latch which in turn can help avoid pain, discomfort, damages to nipples and block ducts but can also help baby taking in milk efficiently which in turn can avoid weight gain and milk supply issues.

• a Comfortable & calm feeding setup can encourages relaxation, promoting the release of bonding hormones, helping baby and you feel calm and so encouraging efficient feeding and milk production. When breastfeeding feels painful or damages the nipple, it’s often a sign that a few adjustments can make a big difference.

Getting Started

Some practical tips to get you and your baby on the path to comfortable, effective breastfeeding:

Tune into Your Baby’s Cues

Offer the breast when you’re both calm. Early hunger cues include:

•  Sucking on hands

•  Smacking lips

•  Turning towards you

•   Fussiness

Feeding before your baby becomes upset makes attachment easier. Babies are born with natural instincts to attach to the breast, and many will instinctively begin to breast crawl towards it. Trusting your baby’s cues, taking time and allowing them to find the breast can help foster a strong and intuitive connection from the start. https://globalhealthmedia.org/videos/breastfeeding-in-the-first-hours-after-birth/

Find Full Body Contact

Holding your baby close, with their front pressed against you (tummy to tummy), helps them feel secure and reduces fidgeting. When they feel stable and close to you they can latch more effectively.

Experiment with Different Positions

• Laid-Back Breastfeeding: A natural, reclining position can allow your baby’s instincts to guide them to the breast. This is especially helpful after a challenging birth or if your baby is sleepy.

  
  
  
  

• Cradle Hold: A classic position, although it can be tricky at first. Keep your baby’s tummy against yours and support their body to avoid strain.

• Cross-Cradle Hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but allows you to guide your baby’s head to the breast. Especially useful in the early days.

• Rugby Hold (Underarm): Can be useful for who are parents recovering from a caesarean, or if you have larger breasts. Place your baby along your side, supported by a cushion or two if needed.

Find Full Body Contact

Keep baby’s whole body close to yours—tummy to tummy. This helps them feel secure and stable, which makes latching much easier (less wriggling, more drinking).

🧐 Let Baby Take the Lead They know what they’re doing (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Give them time to find their way.

🍑 Think About Baby’s Bum Under Your Armpit This helps baby tip their head back and go in chin first, creating a deeper, more effective latch.

🥪 Think Big Sandwich Energy Baby’s chin should connect with the breast first, their head tipped back, and their mouth wide open—like taking a huge bite of a sandwich.

✋ Support, Don’t Force Hold baby gently and avoid pushing their head, with no fingers behind their head. Let them approach the breast on their own terms.

Try to keep the Breast in Its Natural Position

Lifting your breast to meet baby’s mouth might seem helpful, but it can lead to a shallow latch. Instead, bring baby to the breast. If using a feeding pillow, make sure you feel supported, not just baby.

Experiment with Different Positions

💤 Laid-Back Breastfeeding Reclining lets baby use their instincts to find the breast—perfect if you’re recovering from birth or baby is extra sleepy.

🧸Cradle Hold: The classic. Keep baby’s tummy against yours and support their body with their head and hips in line

🍑 Think About Baby’s Bum Under Your Armpit This helps baby tip their head back and go in chin first, creating a deeper, more effective latch.

🤲 Cross-Cradle Hold: Like the cradle hold, but with extra control to guide baby’s head

🏉 Rugby Hold (Underarm) Ideal for caesarean recovery or if you have larger breasts. Baby is tucked at your side, often supported by a cushion.

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  Let Baby Set the Pace

Allow your baby to decide when to latch on. Support them in a way that helps them feel the nipple’s presence without forcing them to it. Many babies benefit from a little time to lick and nuzzle before latching fully.

 Keep the Breast in Its Natural Position

It’s easy to feel tempted to lift the breast to meet baby’s mouth, but this can lead to a shallow latch. Try bringing baby to the breast instead. If a feeding pillow is helpful, use it to support your body rather than positioning baby too high.

Relax—There’s No Right or Wrong Way

If your baby is gaining weight, having regular dirty nappies, and you feel comfortable, you’re doing great! There’s no strict “right way” to breastfeed, but if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, consider reaching out to a breastfeeding support specialist for guidance.

At Milk de La Milk, we understand that every mother-baby pair is unique. If you need guidance on positioning, attachment, or overcoming common challenges, our team is here to support you. we’ll work together to help you find the approach that works best for you and your baby.

National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 open 24/7 365 days a year

Breastfeeding is a journey that often requires patience, practice, and the right support. Remember, you’re not alone on this path, and with a few adjustments, you can make breastfeeding a comfortable and positive experience.

Marion Frey AlQurashi Certified Lactation Specialist & Mindfulness Breastfeeding Practitioner.