The laid-back nursing position—also called the reclining breastfeeding position—is one of the most natural and skin-to-skin friendly ways to breastfeed. Since your baby’s whole front rests directly against your chest, it encourages a deep connection. It also helps trigger their natural feeding instincts. Plus, this position gives you a little freedom—your hands are more available to gently support your baby or just enjoy those precious newborn cuddles.
Laid-back breastfeeding has been around for as long as mothers have been nursing their babies. It’s truly the original way to breastfeed. But it was midwife and researcher Suzanne Colson, Ph.D., who helped bring it back into the spotlight. She introduced it as the biological nurturing position. Her work showed just how powerful this instinctive, baby-led approach can be.
And here’s something amazing: when placed skin-to-skin right after birth, many newborns can actually crawl to the breast and latch on all by themselves. This instinctive behavior, often called the breast crawl, fits perfectly with laid-back breastfeeding. You stay comfortably supported while your baby leads the way.
In many hospitals, new moms are still routinely shown how to breastfeed using the cradle hold while sitting upright. It’s a familiar approach, but let’s be honest—it can feel a bit awkward and tense, especially when you’re sore, tired, and figuring things out for the first time. What if there were a gentler, more natural way to get started? That’s where laid-back breastfeeding comes in. By leaning back and letting your baby lie tummy-down against you, breastfeeding often becomes simpler. Breastfeeding becomes more intuitive and way more comfortable for both of you.
Getting Started with Laid-Back Breastfeeding: What to Expect After Birth
With your baby’s whole front resting against you, this position encourages close contact, which helps stimulate your baby’s feeding instincts. It also frees up your hands so you can snuggle, support, or simply enjoy holding your newborn without strain.
You’ll feel most comfortable in this position when your head, neck, shoulders, and back are well supported—think pillows or a cushioned surface. Once you’re settled, your body naturally supports your baby’s body, making this laid-back breastfeeding setup feel both secure and restful. This is also why it’s sometimes called the biological nurturing position—it taps into your baby’s instincts while keeping you relaxed.
In the first hour after birth, your baby may start showing early feeding cues like licking, drooling, or making sucking motions. Don’t be surprised if they begin to lift their head and root around for your breast. With a little time and support, many babies will make their way to the nipple using their sense of smell and touch. You can guide them gently or just offer support as they find their latch—it doesn’t need to be rushed.
What Are the Advantages of Biological Nursing Positions?
- One of the best things about laid-back breastfeeding is that there’s no rigid set of rules. You don’t have to follow strict steps or worry about getting it “just right.” Your baby’s body is fully supported by yours, and you can shift and adjust until everything feels comfortable and natural.
- In this laid-back nursing position, gravity becomes your ally. It gently helps your baby’s head stay aligned with your breast, making latching easier and often more effective.
- This close contact also means more skin-to-skin time—your baby’s body rests flat against yours, with nothing in between. That deep sense of security is similar to kangaroo care, which has been shown to calm babies, regulate their breathing, and boost bonding.
- Because you’re supported and relaxed, you may even have a free hand (or two) to gently caress your baby, sip some water, or simply rest.
- Many moms find this reclining breastfeeding position helpful for managing fast letdown or strong milk flow, since it gives the baby more control and helps keep the airway open.
- It’s also great for helping your baby release trapped gas, which can mean fewer tummy troubles and a happier baby.
- Laid-back breastfeeding actually counts as tummy time! When your baby is lying chest-down on your body and lifting their head to latch or look around, they’re building neck and upper body strength in a totally natural way.
References and Resources
- Breastfeeding made simple by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
- The latch, by Dr. Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman
- Mother-Baby Experiences of Nurturing, by Suzanne Colson
Baby-led Nursing, by Christina Smillie (DVD) - Biological Nurturing: Laid back Nursing Position, by Suzanne Colson (DVD)
- Follow Me, Mum, by Rebecca Glover (DVD)
- Positioning and Latching (Kellymom)
Q&A
Yes, laid-back breastfeeding can really help if you have an oversupply or a fast letdown. By reclining, you slow the flow of milk just enough to give your baby more control during feeds. This can reduce coughing, sputtering, or frustration at the breast. The semi-upright angle also helps prevent milk from flooding your baby’s mouth too quickly, which makes feedings calmer and more comfortable for both of you.
