What is inside the positioning and latch guide?

The guide summarizes sandwich hold with asymmetric latch, a step-by-step asymmetric latch approach, biological nurturing (laid-back breastfeeding), koala hold (with two video options), a troubleshooting video for babies who struggle at the breast, and a short latch comfort checklist. Each topic includes a QR code that opens a brief demonstration video.

Is the guide a substitute for a lactation visit?

No. It supports learning between visits. If feeds are painful, nipples are damaged, weight gain is a concern, or you feel stuck after trying several positions, ask your pediatric team and an IBCLC for individualized assessment on a real feed.

Who are the videos for?

The QR codes link to third-party educational clips chosen to help you see body positioning and baby cues. They are for learning, not medical diagnosis. Your baby’s mouth, tone, and coordination are unique, so what you see on a screen may need adaptation with in-person support.

How should I use the guide at home?

Read one section, watch the matching short clip, then try one small change on the next feed. Give yourself permission to experiment. If something clearly feels worse, pause that technique and reach out for help rather than pushing through pain.

Breastfeeding Positions & Latch: Printable Guide With Video QR Codes

Summary: We added a free Positioning & Latch Guide you can open on your phone or print for your fridge, doula bag, or postpartum station. It pairs short written reminders with QR codes to demonstration clips so you can see gentle shaping, chin-leading latch, laid-back feeding, and more without doom-scrolling random search results.

Note: Videos linked from the guide are hosted by third parties and are for general education. They do not diagnose ties, oral function, or medical conditions. If something does not feel right for you or your baby, your pediatric clinician and an IBCLC can help you interpret what you are seeing on your own feed.

Why we built this guide

Position and latch are skills both you and your baby are practicing. Text alone can feel abstract when you are sore, shaky, and running on little sleep. The guide is a compact “toolkit” layout: a little context, then a QR code when seeing the movement would help more than another paragraph.

What you will find in the guide

Each block is designed to stand alone so you can jump to what you need today.

Sandwich hold and asymmetric latch. Compresses the breast in a supportive way so baby can take a deeper latch with more areola below the nipple than above, which many families find more comfortable than a shallow nipple-only latch.
Asymmetric latch technique. A slower walkthrough: chin leads, mouth opens wide, then baby comes to the breast in a way that often reduces nipple pinching.
Biological nurturing (laid-back breastfeeding). Uses your body and gravity so baby can use reflexes on your chest. Often lovely for babies who seem “fussy at the breast” or when nipples need a gentler angle early on.
Koala hold. Baby sits more upright, which some families like for reflux discomfort, strong let-down, or when you want more space for positioning. The guide includes two QR options so you can pick the demo that clicks for you.
If baby is struggling at the breast. A troubleshooting-oriented clip for resistance, popping off, or tension before feeds, alongside ideas you can try in the moment.
Quick latch checklist. Simple comfort and transfer cues: wide mouth, chin contact, nose free, swallowing sounds, cheek fullness, and when to detach and reset.

How to use it without overwhelming yourself

You do not need to master every hold this week. Pick one section that matches your question (for example, “latch hurts at the start” or “baby arches and slips off”), watch the short clip once while baby is content, then try one change on the next feed. Small experiments tend to stick better than a midnight overhaul of everything at once.

If you already read Breastfeeding Latch Basics, think of this guide as the visual add-on: same themes, more “show me” support.

When to skip the DIY loop and call for help

Reach out promptly for ongoing toe-curling pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, concern about weight gain or diapers, repeated refusal to feed, fever in parent or baby, or if you simply feel something is off. You are not “bothering” anyone. Early support often means shorter struggles.

For a gentler frame on pain versus “push through it” culture, read Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt? You deserve comfort and clear next steps.

Frequently asked questions

What is inside the positioning and latch guide?: The guide summarizes sandwich hold with asymmetric latch, a step-by-step asymmetric latch approach, biological nurturing (laid-back breastfeeding), koala hold (with two video options), a troubleshooting video for babies who struggle at the breast, and a short latch comfort checklist. Each topic includes a QR code that opens a brief demonstration video.
Is the guide a substitute for a lactation visit?: No. It supports learning between visits. If feeds are painful, nipples are damaged, weight gain is a concern, or you feel stuck after trying several positions, ask your pediatric team and an IBCLC for individualized assessment on a real feed.
Who are the videos for?: The QR codes link to third-party educational clips chosen to help you see body positioning and baby cues. They are for learning, not medical diagnosis. Your baby’s mouth, tone, and coordination are unique, so what you see on a screen may need adaptation with in-person support.
How should I use the guide at home?: Read one section, watch the matching short clip, then try one small change on the next feed. Give yourself permission to experiment. If something clearly feels worse, pause that technique and reach out for help rather than pushing through pain.

Printing and QR tips: Open the guide and use your browser’s print dialog for a paper copy; most home printers keep the QR codes scannable at reasonable quality. Most phone cameras read QR codes without a separate app. Links go to public video pages (for example YouTube or Vimeo).