With a newborn baby, it can sometimes feel awkward getting into a good position for breastfeeding. The nursing positions most commonly seen are the cradle-hold and the cross-cradle-hold. Seeing it is one thing but trying to figure it out with a hungry baby in your arms is another. Read on to learn more.
The hold most people are familiar with is a cradle-hold and is executed by cradling your baby in the crook of the arm on the side matching the breast in which you’re preparing to feed. Make sure that your arm is supporting your child’s head and that Baby’s spine remains well-aligned; you and your baby should be tummy-to-tummy with your body lending support to your baby’s body.
A variation of the traditional cradle-hold is the cross-cradle-hold. With this hold, you will use the opposing arm to support Baby’s back and head, leaving the arm closest to the breast you’re preparing to feed Baby with, available to adjust your breast and achieve a good latch. Be careful not to support the head by placing your hand directly on the back of the head which will likely result in your baby pulling away from the breast. Rather, gently place your hand at the bottom of Baby’s head where the head and neck meet. Once your baby is well-latched, you can bring your free arm across Baby so both arms are now acting as support as you nurse.
While reading about these holds is helpful, seeing the holds in-action is even better! Check out the video above to see Katy demonstrate each.
