Positioning - Cradle Holds

Breastfeeding positions - the cradle holds
Below you will find pictures and directions to achieve these two traditional breastfeeding positions. Once you have done these a few times you will get the hang of it - but it is important to remember that all positions have things in common -
- The position must be comfortable for you to stay in throughout the feed.
- The baby needs to be held close to your body, and turned towards you.
- The baby's nose should be opposite your nipple at the start.
- The baby's head, neck and body all need to be in a straight line (head and neck not twisted)

- The baby's head must be supported but also must be free to tilt backwards as he is brought into the breast.

Cross Cradle Hold
- This position is useful when you are just learning
1. Use your fingers under the baby's head so his head and the weight of his head are supported, but make sure his head is free to tilt back through the gap between your finger and thumb
2. The palm of your hand supports your baby's shoulders and you can press on his shoulders to bring him into the breast when ready.
3. Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby's body close to you. Most mums use their other hand to support their breast while the baby attaches.
4. When you are sure that the baby is attached and suckling well, you can bring that hand and arm around the baby too.

Cradle Hold
- The position most mums use instinctively
1. Your hand needs to be supporting your baby's shoulders and he is free to tilt his head back out over your wrist. Baby's head needs to be free to tilt back.

This information is from www.realbabymilk.org.
With special thanks to our peer supporter models -
Heidi and baby Victoria (top - photgrapher Katy Blake)
Portia and baby Ryder (bottom - photographer Real Baby Milk)