Slide show: Breast-feeding positions

Breast-feeding is a natural process. But your first few attempts to breast-feed your baby may feel awkward at best. Experiment with various positions until you feel comfortable.

The cross-cradle hold is ideal for early breast-feeding, when you and your newborn are getting used to the process. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests. Hold your baby crosswise in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you're feeding from — left arm for right breast, right arm for left. Support the baby's trunk and head with your forearm and palm. Place your other hand beneath your breast in a U-shaped hold. This will help you guide the baby's mouth to your breast and make it easier for the baby to latch on properly.

Don't bend over or lean forward to bring your breast to your baby. Instead, cradle your baby close to your breast.

The cradle hold is similar to the cross-cradle hold, but you support the baby with the arm on the same side as the nursing breast, rather than the opposite arm. As with the cross-cradle hold, sit up straight — preferably in a chair with armrests. Cradle your baby and rest his or her head in the crook of your elbow while he or she faces your breast. For extra support, place a pillow on your lap.

Another option is the football hold. This position is especially popular among mothers who:

• Are recovering from Caesarean births
• Have large breasts
• Are nursing a premature baby or two babies at once
• Need to encourage a baby to take more of the nipple into his or her mouth

Hold your baby at your side, with your elbow bent. With your open hand, support your baby's head and face him or her toward your breast. Your baby's back will rest on your forearm. For comfort, put a pillow at your side and use a chair with broad, low arms.

A lying position may help your baby latch on to your breast correctly in the early days of breast-feeding. It's also a good choice when you're tired. If you're recuperating from a Caesarean birth, reclining may be your only option for the first few days.

Lie on your side and face your baby toward your breast, supporting him or her with the hand of the arm you're resting on. With your other arm and hand, grasp your breast and then touch your nipple to your baby's lips. Once your baby latches on, use the bottom arm to support your own head and your top hand and arm to help support the baby.