BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS

Laid-Back Breastfeeding: A Step-by-Step Guide

You feed in a supported, reclined position with your baby resting against your body. Some parents find this a more relaxed way to feed and let their baby stay close.

How to try laid-back breastfeeding

Recline with full support Lean back on a bed or sofa so your back, neck and shoulders are supported. Stay semi-reclined and awake rather than lying flat.
Place your baby front-to-front Lay your baby on your chest or tummy with their whole front in contact with you. They can be upright, diagonal or across your body.
Make their position secure Use your arm or hand to prevent slipping. Keep their face visible, their nose and mouth unobstructed and their neck in a neutral position.
Let them approach the breast Position their nose near your nipple and give them time to bob, root and move. Guide their shoulders or body if they need help.
Allow the chin to lead As their head tips back and mouth opens wide, bring them close enough for their chin to contact the breast first.
Check both of you can relax Adjust pillows supporting you, not around your baby. Make sure you can see their face and feeding feels comfortable.

Baby and parent alignment

You are semi-reclined with your head, neck and shoulders supported.
Your baby’s whole front rests against your body and their weight is supported.
Their head is turned only enough to face the breast, without the neck twisted or chin pressed down.
Their nose and mouth remain visible and clear.
One arm or hand keeps them secure, especially if they are very young or sleepy.

Attachment and comfort

Laid-back positioning can give your baby space to use rooting and stepping reflexes. A comfortable attachment still involves a wide mouth, chin against the breast, rounded cheeks and swallowing.

Let your baby’s head tip back and avoid holding the back of it.
If their body slides, change your recline or support their bottom and shoulders.
If the breast covers their nose, bring their bottom closer rather than pressing the breast away.

When laid-back breastfeeding may be useful

Some parents find this position relaxing in the early days, during skin-to-skin contact or when sitting upright feels uncomfortable. It can keep a baby away from a caesarean incision if they lie to one side, and some families find it helpful when milk flows quickly.

It is an option rather than a treatment. Choose the angle and amount of support that feel secure for you and your baby.

Staying safe while feeding laid back

Stay awake and keep your baby’s face and airway visible. Never fall asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you may doze, move to a safer prepared space and follow NHS safer-sleep advice.

After feeding, the safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is on their back in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space in the same room as you.

What to do if breastfeeding hurts

If pain continues, gently release the attachment and try a different angle. Check that your baby is close, their chin can lead and their body is not slipping away from you.

Ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter to observe a feed if pain persists, nipples are damaged or you are worried about milk transfer. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if pain does not settle or you feel unwell.

Where to get breastfeeding support in the UK

Your maternity team, health visitor or local infant-feeding service can provide tailored support. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212.

The Watch card links directly to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s laid-back breastfeeding demonstration.

Watch: Laid-Back Breastfeeding

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust demonstrates laid-back breastfeeding.

Watch the demonstration