An illustrated guide to learning 5 of the best breastfeeding positions

• The best breastfeeding positions for you depends on how old your baby is and what is comfortable.
• The cradle hold is great for newborns, but the upright or koala hold is best for older babies.
• The side-lying position is one of the most comfortable and can be a great tool for late-night feedings.
• Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of an infant's life and continuing to breastfeed in addition to offering solids foods until one year of age. 

The rates of breastfeeding in the U.S. vary among states, but in general, most infants receive some breastmilk, with about 25% being exclusively breastfed for the first six months. 

Breastfeeding can be a fulfilling experience, but can also be intimidating for many first time parents. There are several different breastfeeding positiosn to choose from, some that may be best for newborns and others that may work better for older babies. 

Familiarizing yourself with different breastfeeding positions can help you feel more relaxed and confident in feeding your baby and help you establish a strong breastfeeding relationship from the start. 

Here's a look at five breastfeeding positions to try. 

1. Cradle hold

This hold is great for newborns, says Cynthia Conde, a lactation education counselor and lactation clinic coordinator with AltaMed Health Services.

Here's how to do this position:

1. Start by crading your baby in the crook of your arm with your baby lying across your lap. Your baby should be on their side with their  nose should be positioned opposite your nipple. 
2. The whole front of your baby's body should be touching the front of your body.  Your baby's head should be on your forearm and their back should be along your inner arm and palm. When looking down you should see your baby's side.
3. You can place pillows underneath your baby to lift them up to nipple height and support your elbows, especially in the first few weeks when your newborn is so small, Conde says.
4. Support your breast with your other hand as your baby latches onto your nipple. Your baby's mouth should be taking in most of the areola and your baby's ear, shoulder, and hips should all be aligned. 

2. Cross body or cross cradle hold

This position is also a good choice for newborns or smaller babies and is similar to the cradle hold, but with some slight adjustments. 

Here's how to do this position:

1. Start by sitting up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests.
2. Position your baby with their tummy against your body. Throughout the feeding, the baby should be held close with their body facing yours. "This offers many points of contact and a feeling of stability and places the baby directly in line with the breast," says Rachelle King, RN, IBCLC, owner and lactation consultant at Latch Amoré.
3. Scoop your baby's bottom into the crook of your arm opposite the breast being used. Position the heel of your palm at your baby's shoulder blades with your fingers supporting the neck but do not grip your baby's head. "It is important that the baby has the freedom to pull away if they do not want the breast," King says. 
4. Use the opposite hand to support the breast. With a gentle grip on your baby, flex your wrist to tilt the baby's head back back, extending their chin forward and point your nipple high toward your baby's nose.
5. Wait for a wide open mouth and then guide your nipple into your baby's mouth. 

3. Clutch or football hold

This hold is similar to the cross body hold but instead your baby will feed from the breast on the side of the supporting arm. 

The clutch hold can be useful if your baby is resisting latching on one breast but not the other, King says. This position may also be more comfortable if you've had a C-section, Conde says, because it puts less pressure on your abdomen

Here's how to do this position: 

1. Position the baby with their tummy against your body.
2. Scoop the baby's bottom into the crook of the arm on the side of the breast you're using. As with the cross body hold, position the heel of your palm at your baby's shoulder blades with your fingers supporting the neck and your thumb behind your baby's ear. 
3. Use the opposite hand to support your breast and aim the nipple toward your baby's nose. 
4. With a gentle grip, flex your wrist to tilt your baby's head back, wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, and then guide your nipple into their mouth. 

4. Side lying 

This is often described as one of the most relaxing and comfortable positions for moms, Conde says, and may be useful for middle of the night feeds. If you use this position, remember to always return your baby to their own safe feeding place once they are finished eating. 

Here's how to do this position: 

1. Lay on your side with your knees bent. If you want additional support, you can place a pillow between your knees, behind your back, and under your head.
2. Position your baby so they are lying on their side with their tummy, knees, and chest facing you. Your baby's lower arm should be tucked under your beast and their top arm on top of your breast.
3. Your baby should be horizontal to your body and facing your breast with their mouth level with your nipple. 
4. You can place a tightly rolled blanket or towel behind your baby to keep them from rolling onto their back. 
5. When feeding from the right side, support your breast with your left hand to help guide your baby to your nipple and vice versa.

5. Upright or koala position

This hold is best for older babies who are beginning to support their bodies in a sitting position, King says. Feeding your baby in an upright position also helps air bubbles rise for release as a burp and may reduce discomfort from reflux. 

Here's how to do this position:

1. Start in a comfortable upright seated position. 
2. Place the baby on your lap facing you, an older baby may have their legs splayed out around you.
3. Adjust your posture as needed to offer the breast in a way that encourages your baby to tilt their head upward. You may need to straighten your spine, lean back, or elevate your legs.
4. Aim your nipple toward your baby's nose, wait for them to open their mouth wide, and then bring your baby to your breast.

Insider's takeaway 

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for many parents, but may also take some practice. Learning the many feeding positions is a great way to prepare and help you start your breastfeeding journey with confidence, King says. 

If you are struggling with breastfeeding or experiencing pain when feeding your baby, consult with your doctor who may refer you to a lactation consultant. Often with a few tweaks and guidance from an expert, you can overcome common breastfeeding challenges.