BREASTFEEDING HOLDS
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Some moms find that different breastfeeding positions work better for them. It might take some experimenting to find what feels best for you and your baby. Keep trying until you both are comfortable.
CRADLE HOLD
Sit up straight as straight as you can. You can support your back with a pillow or the back of a chair.
Hold your baby in your lap with their head in the crook of your arm
Baby’s tummy is facing yours
Their chest is against your chest
Support your baby’s head with your elbow
Bring the baby closer to you rather than leaning down on them
FOOTBALL HOLD
The football hold is helpful for engorged breasts, sore nipples, and preventing plugged ducts. It’s also a good option after a C-section. You can use a pillow to support the baby’s body.
Hold the baby along your forearm, close to your side
Support the baby’s head with your hand
Their body should face your breast
Their legs should extend behind you, under your arm
Use your other hand to support your breast for latching
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD
The cross-cradle hold is helpful for small and preterm babies, and babies.
Yours and your baby’s tummies will be touching
Place the baby on the opposite side of the breast they are feeding from. If you feed the baby from your right breast, the baby will be on your left arm.
Use your left arm to support their head and neck
SIDE-LYING
The side-lying position is helpful is you had a C-section or you would like to lying down. Only use this position if you are not going to fall asleep and you removed loose blankets or items from your bed.
You and your baby both lying on your sides
Your baby is facing you
Their mouth is at level with your nipple
LAID BACK OR STRADDLE HOLD
In this hold, gravity and your baby’s natural instinct will guide them to latch.
Lie on your back on a pillow, or almost completely flat
Place your baby’s front against your body with their head just above and between your breasts
Use your hands to gently support their head and shoulders