Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle hold is a widely used breastfeeding position that provides excellent support and control. It’s particularly useful for mothers of newborns or babies who need assistance with latching. It helps if the mother sits in a comfortable chair with good back support.

When feeding from the right breast, she uses her left arm to support the baby. Her palm rests on the baby’s upper back and neck, with fingers gently cradling the base of the head. The baby should be positioned with the front of his body in full contact with his mother’s body for optimal feeding; the baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should remain aligned in a straight line. 

Bringing your baby up to the breast, rather than leaning forward will prevent strain on your back and shoulders. If you lead with the baby’s chin to anchor onto the breast, with the nipple aimed toward the baby’s upper lip, you can wait for your baby to open wide before bringing him in closer to latch. Some mothers picture this as gently squeezing the bagpipes (the baby’s bottom).

Some mothers find that shaping her breast with her free hand can help her baby get a deeper and more comfortable latch. 

A good latch ensures that the baby takes in a deep mouthful of breast tissue rather than just the nipple. The mother should feel a strong, rhythmic sucking motion with minimal discomfort. The cross-cradle hold is particularly useful for premature babies, small newborns, or mothers experiencing latch difficulties. 

Some mothers start a feed using the cross-cradle hold to latch their baby, and then swap arms to a cradle hold as the feed goes on.