The Koala Hold: A Very Underrated Awkward Looking Breastfeeding Position

If you’ve ever breastfed a baby who pops off the breast frequently, coughs mid-feed, or grunts like a tiny goat - allow me to introduce you to the Koala Hold.

🐨 So, What Is the Koala Hold?

The Koala hold (also referred to as upright breastfeeding or straddle hold) is exactly what it sounds like: your baby sits upright on your lap, straddling your leg/torso like a mini koala, while nursing.

Think:

• Baby’s spine mostly straight

• Their eyes looking directly up at you

• Facing you tummy-to-tummy

• Supported by your arms, the breast, or a pillow (because we’re not always out here training for arm day)

  
  

It’s a little/lot more vertical, a little/lot more intuitive, and a lot more "why did no one tell me about this sooner?!" The thing is they don't show this kind of natural position breastfeeding in media.

✨ Why the Koala Hold Is So Worth Trying

This position isn’t just cute. It’s great for babies who struggle with certain feeding challenges.

1. Great for Reflux-y Babies

If your baby spits up like a fountain every time they nurse - welcome to the club, and let me hand you a towel.

The upright position helps:

• Reduce backflow from the stomach

• Keep milk down where it belongs

• Support digestion (thanks, gravity!)

  
  

This is especially helpful because if you are keeping baby upright after feeds (which most babies benefit from anyway), then they are already in that position from feeding, so, just lean back and chill a bit.

2. Supports Babies Managing a Fast Letdown

Ever had your baby unlatch, wide-eyed and leaking, like they’ve just been blasted with a garden hose?

Koala hold helps slow things down. By keeping baby upright:

• You give them more control over the flow

• Gravity slows the milk instead of speeding it up

• Baby can pause, swallow, and breathe without drowning

  
  

This is a go-to recommendation for those with overactive letdown or oversupply issues.

3. Ideal for Oral Anomalies, Tension, Low Tone, or Large Breasts

Because baby’s body is well-supported and vertical, the Koala hold makes it easier for them to:

• Latch deeper

• Use their tongue effectively

• Stay engaged without tiring quickly

• It allows mum to more comfortably do some bilateral cheek support if they need

  
  

Babies with oral restrictions, low muscle tone, or torticollis often benefit from this upright position and so do tired, sore nipples.

Women with large breasts benefit from this position because they can more easily see their breast tissue and approximate a deeper latch (this and also with football hold)

4. You Can Do It Anywhere (Literally)

One of the best parts? It doesn’t require special pillows or equipment. Whether you’re:

• Sitting cross-legged on the couch

• In a chair at the doctor’s office

• Wearing baby in a carrier

... you can Koala-hold pretty much anytime, anywhere.

*Bonus: It often feels more natural for older babies who are starting to sit up on their own, or who want to nurse while being nosey (i.e. 90% of breastfeeding toddlers).

🪑 How to Set It Up (Without Wrecking Your Back)

1. Sit comfortably, with your feet planted and back supported

2. Place baby on your lap, facing you, legs straddling your thigh or torso

3. Support their back, neck, and shoulders with your arm or hand

4. Let baby latch at the breast - you may need to lean back slightly so they aren’t chin-jammed

5. Use a rolled-up towel, pillow, or folded blanket under your elbows if you need support

6. Breathe, and lean back if you would be more comfortable - making sure to keep baby nice and tightly in as you lean.

   
   

☕ Pro Tips from a Mom & Lactation Consultant

• Got a wiggly baby? Koala in a carrier can be magical. Yes, you can breastfeed in a structured carrier with practice. I did it all. the. time. Literally no one ever noticed - or at least they never said anything.

• Trying this position and it doesn't feel right? Throw a foot stool under your feet to add some support to the bum area. Otherwise, wait until baby is about 4-6 weeks old to try again... Sometimes they just need to get a little less squishy with a little more head support for you to both enjoy this position.

  
  

💛 The Bottom Line

If you’re dealing with reflux, forceful letdown, latch struggles, or just need to switch things up - the Koala hold might be your new best friend. It’s simple, effective, and supports both baby’s needs and your comfort.

It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it works, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

✨ One last thing...

Feeding isn’t about perfection - it’s about connection. If you’re making it work in whatever way you can (Koala, bottle, combo, triple feeds, the works), you’re doing something incredible, hard, and often invisible. But I SEE YOU!

Thanks for reading!

-Nicole

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.