There are many breastfeeding positions

• The four key points to remember to ensure that your baby is well positioned at the breast are:

1. Your baby’s head and body are in line (not bent or twisted).
2. Your baby is held close to you; he or she should be able to look up into your face.
3. You should support your baby’s whole body (not just the neck and shoulders) with your hand and arm.
4. Your baby approaches your breast, nose to nipple.

• There are many different ways to position your baby, including:
  • Cradle position (most commonly used)
  • Cross cradle position (good for small babies)
  • Reclining position
  • Side-lying position (good to rest while breastfeeding and at night)
  • Under-arm position (good to use after caesarean section, if your nipples are painful or if you are breastfeeding twins or a small baby)
  • Under-arm position for feeding twins
• Breastfeeding should be comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, ask for support from a health worker to help you reposition and/or improve the attachment. See Counselling Card 8 for more information.

Notes for the community health worker: With an older baby, there is no need to check positioning if the baby seems well-attached, is suckling well, and the mother is not experiencing pain.