Cradle, cross cradle, side-lying & foot ball hold are all names of common nursing positions. One or more of these may be your go-to positions, and it may not have occurred to you that there might be other positions out there.

If it ain't broke don't fix it, amirite?

For babies who are struggling at the breast, however, a position other than the four mentioned above might make breastfeeding easier on your baby leading to less stress and worry for you and a more pleasurable breastfeeding experience!

I've compiled a list of some not so common breastfeeding positions and holds with explanations of why/when you might use them, so that you may find a position that works better for your babies needs. These are considered therapeutic positions, so consideration of general anatomy and overall health status (for you and your baby) is necessary, as well as, an account of the relationship between your breast & baby and the breastfeeding challenges that are present.

The following upright positions mentioned are most beneficial when baby has the appropriate muscle tone to allow for a safe and comfortable upright posture with assistance. So generally speaking, these positions work best with babies who are older than six weeks. Modifications may be necessary for babies younger than six weeks or those who have low muscle tone.

Benefits to upright positions

Sitting positions can help babies that tend to elevate their tongues inappropriately during feeds. Gravity helps draw the tongue down.

Babies with cleft palates, those who have trouble closing off their velopharyngeal port (seen in those with Velopharyngeal insufficiency), or those who have repeated ear infections may find this position helpful in preventing milk from flowing into their nose and ear tubes.

Finally, vertical positions can improve alertness and stability in babies with neurological issues.

How to:

Straddle Sit

The straddle sit was named such because the baby straddles, or has one leg of either side of, their parent's leg. Breastfeeding positioning basics still apply. Parent and baby should be tummy to tummy with baby's head supported at the base of their neck. A pillow or rolled up blanket can be used to prevent excess neck extension.

Front view: Baby’s legs are on each side of my leg

Side view Note: that I could easily support the breast with my dangling hand should I need to.

Side Straddle sit

The side straddle differs from the straddle sit in that both of baby's legs are to one side of the parent's leg, but in a way, that baby is still chest to chest. Neurotypical babies older than four months can rotate at the hips (so that their hips may be facing 90 degrees to parent, but ears and shoulders are still in alignment) but younger babies, or those that aren't neurotypical, must be facing the parent so that ears, shoulders, and hips are aligned.

Side view of the side straddle Notice how baby’s ears and shoulders are in alignment but hips are not. Only use this variation with babies who are neurotypical and over four months old.

Still the side straddle position but this time baby is straddling the inside of my leg and ears, shoulders and hips are aligned.

Side straddle facing outer leg without hip turning. Again, notice how ears, shoulders and hips are aligned. Breast can be easily managed in this hold.

Physiological flexion is the “balled up position” that full-term babies often have, with their hips flexed and their arms tucked in tight. This posture provides the structural support that allows babies to move against gravity without collapsing into the surface.

Clutch- V Position

This position combines the aforementioned physiological flexion with an upright posture. It's easiest to start from the "clutch" or football hold as babies are already in the L position. Then lift baby so that their body makes a V, with their torso vertical and their legs either

in the fetal position or, if an older/larger baby, with their legs extended up the back of the chair.

The next position I’m listing is not an upright position but still uses the physiological flex to aid in breastfeeding.

Note this is the V shape baby will have while latched

Attempting to show baby in fetal position. If you haven’t gathered by now, this is not a real baby so limb manipulation is difficult.

Physiologic Flex

This curled up position calms babies and is useful for soothing babies who are fussy and reducing arching during nursing, especially in hypertonic babies. It’s super easy to do! One assume a normal breastfeeding position used in a cradle or cross cradle positions but with babies arms and legs placed into this physiological flex prior to latching.

Holds are used to assist in a specific area, most commonly the jaw/cheek area. All of the feeding processes, including the critical suck-swallow-breathe process, rely on good oral stability. The following holds can assist with that.

Dancer Hold (Classic)

The dancer hand position reduces oral cavity space thus increasing intraoral pressure. This handhold provides jaw and tongue stability and is excellent for babies with excessively recessed chins, those who have excessively wide jaw movements, babies with ties, or those that struggle to maintain suck strength/seal on the breast. Additionally, it can be helpful for babies that fall off the boob unless it's being held and those with high or low tone.

Lots of reasons to use, making it a very versatile hold!

Concorde Hold

This hand position isn't very intuitive but is a useful hold to learn. Like the dancer hold, this position is beneficial for babies that have tongue ties or recessed chins. I suppose it's less of an actual hold and more of an alternative way of offering the breast, but either way, learn this one for sure.

I wouldn't be able to describe it any better than the handout made to explain it so here is the Myrte Concorde Manual.

Let me know if you've found these positions helpful and want another list of therapeutic breastfeeding positions and holds. There is no shortage of them, and you might find one that solves your nursing challenges!