8 Breastfeeding Positions to Make Nursing Easier on Mom

A cross-cradle hold gives Mom lots of control, as the baby rests in the arm opposite of the breast baby is suckling from, and her head is in Mom's hand. Popular with brand new moms with newborns, a pillow can help prop the baby up to give Mom's arm a little rest when you're using the cross-cradle hold.

Ever carried a football in the crook of your arm? Then you know just how to handle the football hold. Baby's legs and arms are tucked alongside Mom's body, under her armpit, while she uses her hand to hold baby's little head at the breast. This is a great hold for moms who have had a C-section as it keeps the baby's body away from her incision.

The cradle hold is popular with moms whose babies have begun to get some control of their neck muscles, enabling mom to give their head a little more freedom. Baby is cradled in the arm on the side of the breast he is feeding from, generally lying on his side with his mouth level with Mom's nipple. The head and shoulder will lean against Mom's arm.

For babies who are nursing through the night, side-lying breastfeeding is a trick moms will want to master as you can give your head a rest while they're nursing. Just as the name describes, this position involves Mom and baby both lying on their side!

Got twins? You'll want to learn to tandem breastfeed! Two babies, two breasts, one mealtime!

Once a baby is experienced at latching on and starts to develop their little muscles, Mom doesn't have to do nearly as much work. Many moms can just sit back and let baby do the work after they're latched on.

Many breastfeeding moms are also babywearing moms because they can feed on the go. The sling does much of the cradling work for you, freeing up your hands to do other things.

Not a breastfeeding position most moms will use for a long time (your arms will get tired!), but when you're perched above the baby, gravity helps the milk ducts to be fully drained.