Below are common breastfeeding holds, find the one that works best for you and your baby. For the laid back position, lie back in a chair or on a bed. Use pillows to raise and support your head, neck, and back. Lay the baby tummy to tummy with you. Support your baby with one or both hands. With the cradle hold, your baby's head and neck are supported in the crook of your arm. Use a pillow to raise your baby to breast height, and support the baby's back and bottom. With the cross cradle hold, your baby's head and neck are supported by one hand. Use a pillow to raise your baby to breast height, and support the baby's back and bottom. The football hold is useful if you're recovering from a ceasarean or have twins. Put a pillow at your side and lay your baby on it, hold the baby's head in the palm of your hand and tuck the baby's legs between your arm and body. The side lying hold is also useful after a ceasarean. Stretch out on your side with pillows to support your head, neck, and back. Lay the baby tummy to tummy with you and support the baby's head and neck with your hand. Put a rolled up towel behind the baby's back to stop the baby from rolling off the bed.
Breast milk is the single best source of nutrition for your baby and will help him grow and thrive. Learn when your baby will be ready to breastfeed, why it's so important, and all about pumping.
Watch this program to learn strategies to help you deal with the stress of breastfeeding including getting help from a lactation consultant and finding a support network.
Breastfeeding: Proper Latch-on and Removal from the Breast
Watch this video to learn how to properly attach your baby to your breasts, and safely remove them at the end of the feeding or when the latch is incorrect.
