Nursing position #2: the football hold
Like a football player cradles a football, cradle your baby over your arm while you’re seated in a chair. This lets you see if he is latching on properly. Place pillows at your side to support your elbow and your baby’s bottom. Then tuck him into the side of your waist and place his head in the palm of your hand, supporting the base of his head between your thumb and forefinger.
Moms like this position best if they:
- Have large breasts
- Are concerned about latch on
- Have a small or premature baby
- Are sore from a cesarean birth
Nursing position #3: the cross-cradle hold
This is a good position for moms with premature babies or who have trouble getting their little one to latch on. It makes it easier to see her latch on compared to the traditional cradle hold.
Hold your baby across your body in the arm opposite the breast from which she will be feeding. Her position will be the same as in the cradle hold, but you will use your other arm to hold her. Your baby should be level with your breast, with her body turned toward you. Some mothers find they can tuck baby's bottom into the crook of their arm. When she opens her mouth wide, pull her onto the breast far enough that the tip of her nose, her cheeks, and her chin are all touching your breast.
Nursing position #4: side lying
This is a comfortable alternative position, when sitting is uncomfortable.
Lie on your side, using one pillow to support your head and another along your back. Your head and neck should be comfortably propped up with pillows.
You can also lie on your side with one arm bent under your head and the other hand supporting your breast. Lay your baby next to you on the bed so her mouth is aligned with your nipple. Put a pillow or rolled-up blanket behind your baby's back.