| There are different ways that you can hold your baby while breastfeeding, and you should choose which ever way you are most comfortable with. Whatever position you are using, your baby should be held close, directly facing your breast.
You may want to breast feed while sitting in a chair or on the bed, cradling your baby in your arms (cradle hold). In this position, mom's right arm will support the baby when he is eating from the right breast, with his head on the bend of your elbow. Consider placing a pillow on your lap if it is more comfortable for you. Your baby should be held close to you on his side, directly facing your breast, with his abdomen against yours. While very popular, this may not be the easiest position for new moms to learn.
The cross-over hold is another popular position for breastfeeding. In this position, your hand will support the back of his head and his neck and will rest between his shoulder blades. Unlike the cradle hold, you will be using the opposite arm, so, for example, use your right arm to support your baby when breastfeeding from the left breast.
You can also breast feed your baby while lying down on your side. Your baby will be lying down next to you and again held close and directly facing your breast. Use pillows to help with positioning.
Other mothers prefer the football position, in which you hold your baby in your arm, with the back of his head in the palm of your hand and his body supported by your arm. Unlike the cross-over hold, you will be using the right arm to support your baby when you are feeding from the right breast. Consider using a pillow to support your arm. This position doesn't put much pressure on your abdomen, so may be more comfortable for moms who have had a caesarian section.
Breastfeeding Resources:
- Positioning Images: from breastfeeding.com, images to help you with different methods of positioning your baby while breastfeeding, including the Cradle, Cross-Cradle, Side-Lying, and the Clutch hold.
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