Cross-cradle hold This position is good for moms who’ve had trouble with latching-on and with small or premature babies. • You can see the latch-on more clearly than with the cradle-hold position. For this hold, position yourself comfortably, with pillows behind you. Lean back slightly so that you don’t have to bend over your baby. • Hold your baby across your body, in the arm opposite the breast from which baby will nurse. Support your baby’s neck and head with this hand as his or her body extends along the length of your forearm. • Use the hand on the side of the breast you are feeding from to support the breast. • Position your baby’s mouth at the level of your nipple, with his or her body on his or her side, facing you. • Pull your baby onto your breast when his or her mouth is open wide, far enough onto your breast so that his or her nose, cheeks, and chin are all touching your breast. Football hold This position is good for moms with large breasts, for those who’ve had a cesarean birth, trouble with latching-on, or moms with small or premature babies. This hold can also provide you with a free hand or enable you to breastfeed two babies at once. The advantage of this hold is that you can clearly see latch-on. • Sit in a comfortable chair, with support for your arms and back—do not lean over your baby. Use a pillow or soft rolled-up blanket, towel, or other soft item to support your arm. • Use a pillow or rolled-up blanket, towel, or other soft item at your side to support your elbow and baby’s bottom. • Put your baby’s head in the palm of your hand, level with your breast, and tuck your baby into the side of your waist, cradled under your arm. • Support the base of your baby’s head between your thumb and forefinger. Place a soft blanket between your hand and your baby’s head for padding, if you think that he or she is uncomfortable. • Pull your baby onto the breast when his or her mouth is open wide, far enough onto your breast so that his or her nose, cheeks, and chin are all touching your breast. If your baby has problems with gas, you can change this hold so your baby sits slightly upright, leaving less room for air in his or her tummy. Breastfeeding education: tips & techniques for getting started Page 6 of 7