Getting comfortable

Breastfeeding is more successful when you're comfortable and relaxed.
  • Making sure that you’re comfortable and relaxed and that baby is correctly attached can help to make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable. Try to feed in a chair that offers good back support; use cushions or pillows to prop up your arms; and if necessary, rest your feet on a telephone book or footstool. It’s also good to experiment with the different feeding positions, shown below, until you find one that works for you and baby.
 

Breastfeeding positions

Three common feeding positions include the front hold, the underarm position and the lying down position.
  • This is the classic 'front hold' or 'cradle position'.
  • The 'underarm position' shown above is also known as the 'footy hold'. It’s possible to feed twins together in this position (see below). Varying feed positions with this can be good for sore nipples.
  • The 'lying down' position is particularly good for mums who’ve had caesareans or if your bottom is sore after the birth.
 

Other positions

Twins can be fed together using the twin hold; light muslin wraps offer privacy when breastfeeding in public.
  • In the first few weeks, it may be easier to feed twins separately. However, once you’ve got the hang of it, you can try feeding them together using the 'twin hold'.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious when breastfeeding in public, drape a light muslin wrap over your shoulder so it covers your breast and baby.
 
 
  • Last Updated 08-05-2006
  • Last Reviewed 10-10-2009