Cradle hold is when you are holding your baby with the same side arm as the breast you are feeding from. So holding with right arm and feeding from right breast or holding with left arm and feeding from left breast.
This is one of the most popular breastfeeding positions as it feels quite instinctual and you may do this naturally without thinking, but if you have had a caesarean you may find it uncomfortable as baby lies across your stomach close to the scar.
For cradle hold, sit in a comfy chair with arm rests, or a bed with cushions or pillows around you.
- Lie your baby across your lap, facing you.
- Place your baby’s head on your forearm – nose towards your nipple. Your hand should support the length of their body.
- Place your baby’s lower arm under yours.
- Check to make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.
Cross Cradle is the exact opposite of yesterday’s position, so holding your baby with your right arm whilst feeding from the left breast or vice versa, this position is useful when you are just learning.
Some mums may also find this more comfortable or it may work well for you if you have more strength or dexterity in one arm than the other so you can swap between cradle and cross cradle hold.
- Use your fingers under the baby’s head so his head and the weight of his head are supported, but make sure his head is free to tilt back through the gap between your finger and thumb
- The palm of your hand supports your baby’s shoulders and you can press on his shoulders to bring him into the breast when ready
- Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby’s body close to you. Most mums use their other hand to support their breast while the baby attaches
- When you are sure that the baby is attached and suckling well, you can bring that hand and arm around the baby too
The rugby hold is good if you have had a caesarean as there’s no pressure on your tummy or scar area. It can also work well for twins, as you can feed them both at the same time.
- Sit in a chair with a cushion or pillow along your side.
- Position your baby at your side (the side you want to feed from), under your arm, with their hips close to your hips. Your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple.
- Support your baby’s neck with the palm of your hand.
- Gently guide them to your nipple.
This is a good position if you’ve had a caesarean as your baby is not laying directly on you.
- Start by getting comfy lying on your side. Your baby is facing you, so you are tummy to tummy.
- Check to make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line – not twisted.
- Put some cushions or pillows behind you for support. A rolled up baby blanket placed behind your baby will help support them – remember to remove it after you have finished feeding. If you’ve got a pillow under your head, make sure it’s not too close to your baby’s head or face.
- Tuck the arm you’re lying on under your head or pillow (ensuring your baby’s position isn’t altered by the pillow) and use your free arm to support and guide your baby’s head to your breast.
If you are trying this position alone or at night or feel you are at risk of falling asleep in this position please ensure you have read up on the safe sleep 7 BEFORE.
We are NOT suggesting that you should or shouldn’t sleep on the same surface as your baby, that is your own personal choice when you have researched and weighed up the pros and cons for yourself. We are suggesting that you read all relevant information on the subject and make sure you’re set up as safely as possible just in case you do fall asleep on the same surface as your baby. This is much safer than accidentally falling asleep with your baby in an unsafe position, surface or setup.
Laid-back breastfeeding, also known as biological nursing, is when you lie back in a comfortable semi-reclined position on a comfy sofa or bed.
If you have had a caesarean, your baby can lie across you and away from your incision.
- Lean back (but not flat) on a sofa or bed.
- Prop yourself up with cushions or pillows so your back, shoulders and neck feel supported.
- When you are comfortable, place your baby on your front. Their tummy should be resting on your tummy – but if this is uncomfortable, lie them to one side.
- Make sure you are upright enough to look into your baby’s eyes
- While supporting your baby, gently guide your baby to your nipple.
In koala hold, your baby sits straddling your thigh, or on your hip, with their spine and head upright as they feed.
You can do this hold with a newborn if you give your baby plenty of support, and it’s also a convenient way to feed an older baby who can sit unaided.
Koala hold is often the most comfortable breastfeeding position for babies who suffer from reflux or ear infections (who often prefer to be upright), and it can also work well with babies who have a tongue-tie or low muscle tone.
It may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, especially for younger babies. Just make sure your baby’s head is slightly below your breast and tilted back when they latch on.
Do you need support with position and attachment? Get in touch with us for a 1:1 appointment using the Web chat in the corner of this website, contact us on social media, or use the referral form at the top of the page to refer yourself for an appointment.
