Top 5 Breastfeeding Positions That Saved My Back (and My Sanity)

Breastfeeding is beautiful… but let’s be honest — back pain is real.
In those early weeks, I found myself hunched over my baby like a shrimp, shoulders tense, neck stiff, and lower back screaming. I thought, "Is this normal? Does it get better?"

It does.
And one thing that helped me massively was switching up my breastfeeding positions — along with wearing comfortable nursing tops and a supportive nursing dress for easier access and less fuss.

Here are the top 5 positions that saved my back — and helped me enjoy nursing more comfortably.

🛋 1. The Side-Lying Position

Best for: Night feeds, C-section recovery, tired moms.

You lie on your side, baby tummy-to-tummy with you, and let them latch while you both rest.

💡 Pro tip: This is where a breathable nursing top or stretchy nursing dress makes a huge difference — no fiddling with buttons or zippers when you're half-asleep.

🪑 2. The Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing) Position

Best for: Newborns, latching issues, skin-to-skin bonding.

Lean back in a reclined position with baby lying on your chest. It’s relaxing and natural.

💡 Pro tip: Pair this with a loose nursing dress like the Hawa Abaya from Ummi Collection — it gives easy access while keeping you fully covered and comfy.

🍼 3. The Football Hold

Best for: Moms with large breasts, C-section recovery, twins.

Hold your baby under your arm like a football. It takes pressure off your abdomen and supports better positioning.

💡 Pro tip: A structured nursing top with side access (like the Aira Top) makes this hold super simple — especially when you're outside or visiting family.

🤱 4. The Cross-Cradle Hold

Best for: Newborns, guiding a deep latch.

Hold your baby across your body using the opposite arm for support. Great for control and helping baby latch well.

💡 Pro tip: Sit up straight, wear a fitted nursing top, and use a nursing pillow so you're not bending forward (hello, back pain!).

🧘♀️ 5. Cradle Hold (with Back Support!)

Best for: Everyday feeds, older babies.

This is the most familiar hold — but remember to protect your posture.

💡 Pro tip: Combine this position with a flowy nursing dress like the Huda Nursing Dress — easy to wear all day, and quick for mid-feed adjustments.

💬 Real Talk, Mama…

You don’t have to suffer through back pain to breastfeed. These positions helped me feed more comfortably, heal faster, and actually enjoy the quiet moments with my baby.

👉 Bonus? Wearing the right nursing tops and a comfortable nursing dress made every position easier. I didn’t have to tug, lift, or fight my clothes — which meant more time bonding, and less time adjusting.

💡 Where I Shop

I found some of my favorite nursing tops and nursing dresses at Ummi Collection:

• 🧕 Aira Nursing Top – Soft, breathable, and discreet.

• 🧕 Safa Nursing Top – Great for daily wear and comfort.

• 👗 Huda Nursing Dress – Stylish yet nursing-friendly.

• 👗 Hawa Abaya – Modest, comfortable, and perfect for side-lying feeds.

Take care of your body, mama. Your back matters just as much as your baby’s belly. 💛

With love,
Anisah
Breastfeeding Diaries