Infant and toddler health

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Breast-feeding: Football hold

Another option is the football hold. This position may be a good choice if you're recovering from a C-section, you have large breasts or you're nursing two babies at once.

Hold your baby at your side, with your elbow bent. With your open hand, support your baby's head and face him or her toward your breast. Your baby's back will rest on your forearm. It may help to support your breast in a C-shaped hold with your other hand. For comfort, put a pillow on your lap and use a chair with broad, low arms.

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.