Types of breastfeeding positions and holds

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1. Cradle hold

a. The most common position, the cradle hold, makes it easier for you to both feed and bond with your baby.
b. Choose a comfortable seat that offers back and hand support, such as an armchair or couch, to maintain your arm at the proper height. Pillows can be used to support your arm if necessary.
c. Your little one should be resting on your lap with their head in the crook of your arm.
d. To avoid having to turn your baby’s head toward your breast, keep their chest close to yours. Use cushions, if required, to support your baby’s head. You may also use feeding pillows or repurpose your pregnancy pillow for this purpose.

2. Cross-cradle hold

a. This posture works well with young babies and is helpful when starting to nurse. It enables you to maintain a firm grip over your baby’s head while assisting with latching.
b. Consider this to be the cradle’s opposite. To hold your baby in the cross-cradle position, you need to place your baby with their head in your hand rather than the crook of your arm.

3. Rugby hold or football hold

a. If your breasts are full or your nipples hurt, this is a great position to try. The football or rugby hold helps prevent blocked ducts, as in this position you place your baby near the bottom of your breast.
b. Hold your infant with their body on your arm and their face toward your breast while lying on your side. Hold them like a football or rugby ball along your forearm.
c. Your baby’s legs should be beneath your arm. Support your breast with the other hand.
d. If you have had a cesarean section and are unable to nurse your baby on your stomach, the football or rugby hold is quite useful.

4.The side-lying position

a. This is a great posture to try if you and your baby feel more comfortable lying down.
b. Lie on your side with your baby facing you and their head resting at your breast.
c. Make sure the baby’s nose is not blocked, and support your back with cushions.

These are some of the most commonly used breastfeeding positions. You can try different positions with your baby, and as long as both of you are happy and comfortable, it should work just fine! Don’t forget to support your baby’s body, especially their neck and your back while trying new breastfeeding positions.

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