There are different ways you can hold your baby when breastfeeding.

Many breastfeeding books describe positions that are used during early breastfeeding. These include cradle, cross-cradle, football, and side-lying positions. Having the baby positioned high enough so your breast and the baby’s mouth are on the same level is key to all of these positions. If you are leaning over, try placing a pillow or two to bring the baby up a little higher. In the first several days, many new mothers find that their baby cannot latch well using the traditional cradle hold because the baby needs the support which is offered by the cross cradle or football hold.

Tip: Successful breastfeeding has a learning curve, much like the use of training wheels when first learning to ride a bicycle. In the beginning, it feels weird and most women are unsure about the steps of latching. But soon, the pillows will not be needed and cradle hold works well because mother and baby have learned together.

Choose the position that is most comfortable for you. If you have a c-section, you will probably want to use the football hold or lie down to nurse at first. That will keep the baby off your stomach.

Cradle

Cradle the baby in your arm, his tummy against yours. The baby's head will be resting in the bend of your elbow. The baby's whole body is facing you, tummy-to-tummy. Use your other hand to support the breast.

Football

Place a pillow or two at your side to raise the baby to the level of your breast. Put the baby on the pillow with her bottom and legs touching the back of the chair (like an "L"). Hold the baby's shoulders in the palm of your hand supporting the base of the baby's head. Use your other hand under the breast to keep it in the baby's mouth

Cross Cradle

Support the baby's head in the palm of your hand with your arm supporting the baby's bottom. Bring the baby across your lap. Use your other hand under the breast from the side to keep the nipple in the baby's mouth.

Lying Down

Lie down on your side and pull the baby close to you so that you are facing each other. Some mothers place a pillow or rolled-up towel against the baby's back to keep the baby in position. A pillow behind your back may make you more comfortable. Help the baby latch on to the breast closest to the bed.















Tip: In any position try not to hunch over. When seated make sure your chair is comfortable and that arm rests do not interfere with your positioning - make sure you feel comfortable and supported at all times. Your baby may feed for 20 to 40 minutes at a time, poor posture and positioning means you may get sore, strained muscles.

By Linda Yandell Smith By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of The Triumphant Child-Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.

Reference: Nutrition NC

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