Infant and toddler health

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Breast-feeding: Cross-cradle hold

Breast-feeding can be awkward at first. Experiment with various positions until you feel comfortable.

The cross-cradle hold is ideal for early breast-feeding. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests. Hold your baby crosswise in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you're feeding from — left arm for right breast, right arm for left. Support the baby's trunk and head with your forearm and palm. Place your other hand beneath your breast in a U-shaped hold and guide the baby's mouth to your breast. Don't bend over or lean forward. Instead, cradle your baby close to your breast.

1. Learning to breastfeed. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
2. Breastfeeding. In: Kleinman RE, ed. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. 6th ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:42.
3. Breast-feeding your baby. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp029.cfm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
4. Schanler RJ, et al. Patient information: Breastfeeding basics. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.