{"id":23242,"date":"2025-05-23T14:38:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T13:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/news-approfondimenti\/le-posizioni-per-lallattamento-al-seno\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:01:58","slug":"breastfeeding-positions","status":"publish","type":"news-approfondimenti","link":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/breastfeeding-positions\/","title":{"rendered":"Breastfeeding positions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the early days of breastfeeding, it is helpful for both mother and baby to experiment with different positions to promote effective latch, prevent potential issues, and make nursing a calm and relaxing moment for both. The choice of position depends on the mother\u2019s comfort<\/strong>, the baby\u2019s needs, and any specific circumstances such as a cesarean birth or latch difficulties. Below are the main recommended positions.<\/p>\n

Semi-reclined position (breast crawl)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

This position is inspired by the newborn\u2019s instinctive behavior immediately after birth. The mother leans back comfortably against pillows on a bed, couch, or armchair, while the newborn is placed vertically on her chest, tummy to tummy. The baby, following their natural instincts, searches for the nipple and begins to nurse independently.<\/p>\n

This position encourages the initiation of breastfeeding, helps the mother relax, and allows the baby to move freely. It is especially useful in case of latch difficulties or a strong let-down reflex, as gravity helps moderate the milk flow.<\/p>\n

Cross-cradle hold<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Particularly suitable in the first few weeks, the cross-cradle hold allows the mother to better control the baby\u2019s latch and gives the baby a sense of containment and security. In this position, the mother holds the baby with one arm, keeping them close to her body, possibly with the baby\u2019s feet under the arm, and latches them to the opposite breast.<\/p>\n

When the baby is well supported along the entire body, they learn more quickly how to position themselves correctly and suck effectively. This hold serves as a transition to more autonomous positions.<\/p>\n

Cradle hold<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

The cradle hold is one of the most common and is often used outside the home. The mother supports the baby with the same arm as the breast used for nursing, holding them facing her body, with the nose aligned with the nipple. This position frees one of the mother\u2019s hands and is ideal once breastfeeding is well established.<\/p>\n

To help maintain proper posture and prevent muscle strain, it is advisable to use a pillow under the arm that supports the baby, thus reducing pressure on shoulders and neck.<\/p>\n

Rugby (clutch) hold<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

In this position, the baby is placed under the mother\u2019s arm on the same side as the nursing breast. The baby\u2019s head is supported by the mother\u2019s hand, with their feet pointing toward the mother\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

This hold is especially recommended after a cesarean birth since it avoids pressure on the abdomen. It is also useful for mothers with large breasts or with babies who are passive or reluctant to nurse, as milk flow is generally stronger in this position from the start.<\/p>\n

Side-lying position<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

After birth, or when the mother wishes to rest during nursing, the side-lying position can be adopted. The mother lies on her side with the baby next to her, tummy to tummy, and the baby\u2019s face turned toward the breast, with the nose level with the nipple. The mother\u2019s arm can be placed behind the baby\u2019s back to help them stay in position.<\/p>\n

This is an ideal position for night feedings or times of increased tiredness, offering a comfortable solution for both mother and child.<\/p>\n

\u201cWolf\u201d Position\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

This position is recommended in specific situations, such as when dealing with engorgement or blocked ducts<\/strong>. The baby lies flat on a bed or pillow, while the mother positions herself on all fours over the baby, feeding from above.<\/p>\n

Gravity combined with the baby\u2019s suction can help drain affected ducts and relieve breast tension. Although less common, this position can be effective in specific contexts.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the chosen position, ensuring a proper latch is essential. The baby should be positioned with their nose aligned with the nipple, mouth wide open, and covering a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple. During feeding, sucking and swallowing alternate naturally without smacking or clicking sounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Seek Support<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h5>\n

If you encounter difficulties finding the right position or if breastfeeding is painful or ineffective, it’s important to seek help from a qualified expert. Support can be provided by a midwife, a La Leche League<\/strong> consultant, or an IBCLC<\/strong> (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) \u2014 a health professional trained to the standards of the IBLCE<\/strong> (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Effective and comfortable breastfeeding is the result of a shared journey between mother and baby, supported by accurate information, attention to individual needs, and \u2014 if needed \u2014 professional guidance.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the early days of breastfeeding, it is helpful for both mother and baby to experiment with different positions to promote effective latch, prevent potential issues, and make nursing a calm and relaxing moment for both. The choice of position depends on the mother\u2019s comfort, the baby\u2019s needs, and any specific circumstances such as a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1447,"featured_media":23243,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"focus-approfondimento":[871],"focus-appartenenza":[893],"coauthors":[794],"class_list":["post-23242","news-approfondimenti","type-news-approfondimenti","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","focus-approfondimento-breastfeeding","focus-appartenenza-il-miglior-nutrimento-fin-dalla-nascita-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBreastfeeding positions - Baby Wellness Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/breastfeeding-positions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Breastfeeding positions - Baby Wellness Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In the early days of breastfeeding, it is helpful for both mother and baby to experiment with different positions to promote effective latch, prevent potential issues, and make nursing a calm and relaxing moment for both. 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