Laid-Back or Straddle-Hold

Use the laid-back hold to breastfeed your baby.

Illustration of a laid-back hold.

Good if:

  • You'd like a relaxed, baby-led approach.
  • This is how you and your baby are comfortable breastfeeding.

How to:

Lean back on a pillow, with your baby's front against yours. Some moms find that sitting up relatively straight works well. Others prefer to lean back so that they're lying almost flat. When you lean back like this, your baby is held by your body so your hands are free. Just make sure your baby's body, especially baby's head and shoulders, is fully supported.

Place your baby's cheek near your breast. Some moms find it helpful to use one hand to position their breast near their baby. It's up to you and what you think is the most comfortable. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

Source URL: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/laid-back-or-straddle-hold