Positioning and Nursing Holds

In all nursing holds, positioning and posture of your body, and the position of baby's body in relationship to yours, is of utmost importance. Baby's head, shoulders and hips should be facing the same direction (towards Mom!) In the newborn, the body will usually be in a slightly curved position, a bit like the letter "C". The head should always be in line with the rest of baby's body, never arched back or turned sideways. Pillows will become your best friend! Whatever position you choose to nurse in, make sure you use good posture and are comfortable.

There are several "nursing" pillows on the market that help raise baby to a comfortable height and position, or try experimenting with pillows you have on hand. Make sure you are well supported, using pillows behind your back, a footstool to raise your lap, whatever it takes to make you comfortable.

The Cradle Hold

When using the cradle hold, the baby's head should rest in the crook of your elbow, with your forearm supporting his back, and your hand holding his buttocks or upper thigh. Pay close attention to the position of the baby's body in relation to yours. The baby should be lying on his side with his whole body facing you. His head should be in a straight line with his body, not arched back or turned sideways.

Your free hand is used to position the breast. Support your breast with your fingers underneath and your thumb on top, making sure that your fingers are well behind the areola. Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple so that he opens his mouth wide. (See latch on photos) Quickly center the nipple in his mouth and pull the baby in very close to your body.

Once the baby is latched on correctly and actively nursing, you may be able to let go of your breast, unless it is too heavy for him to control.

The Cross Cradle Hold

This position is like the cradle hold, but with your opposite arm supporting the baby. This hold offers good control over the baby's head when pulling him onto the breast. Your hand supports the back of baby's head and neck while getting latched on, with your free hand positioning the breast as in the cradle hold. After baby is actively nursing, you may want to switch your arms back to the cradle hold.

The Side-Lying Hold

The side-lying position is especially good if you are uncomfortable sitting up, such as after a cesarean, or if you are nursing at night. As in the cradle holds, your baby's body needs to be facing yours, tummy to tummy. Lie on your side with a pillow underneath your head. Place your lower arm under your baby with his head on the crook of your elbow as in the cradle hold. When baby's mouth is open wide, pull his body in close to you. Again, as in the other holds, use your free hand to position your breast. Once the baby is actively nursing, you may wish to move your arm under your head as in the photo. You may want to place a pillow or a rolled up receiving blanket behind the baby's back to help hold him close to you

The Clutch Hold

The clutch hold (also referred to as the "football" hold) is a good position to use after a cesarean and you don't want the baby across your abdomen. It is also good if your breasts are large, or you are nursing a small or premature baby. You will need to use a pillow underneath the baby to bring her up to the level of your breast. Position baby with her legs under your arm and head resting in your hand. If the baby pushes her legs against the back of the chair, try positioning her bent at her hips, with her legs and buttocks against the back of the chair.

Nursing in the Real World

Photos of topless women nursing may help you get a better idea of positioning your baby. However, most of the time you'll be nursing your baby out in the real world, whether on a park bench, in a crowded restaurant, or in a Autopia car at Disneyland!

About the Photographer-
Meghan Halverson, R.N., Midwife and Photographer, lives with her family in Half Moon Bay, California. Meghan is available for prenatal and postnatal care as well as birth and pregnancy photography.