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Football Hold


September 26, 2024
  • Position your baby so his/her legs and body are under your arm, with your hand at the base of the head and neck (as if you were holding a football).
  • Place your fingers below your breast. Allow your baby to latch-on while pulling him/her in close, holding your baby’s head with his/her nose and chin touching your breast.
  • Keep your baby’s body flexed at the hip with the legs tucked under your arm.

The Football Hold is a good position when:

  • You have had a cesarean birth and want to avoid placing your baby against your abdominal incision.
  • You need to see better when getting your baby to latch-on.
  • Your breasts are large.
  • You are nursing a small baby, especially if premature.
  • Your baby tends to slide down your areola onto your nipple.
  • Your baby is fussy, restless and having a hard time latching-on.
  • Your baby is sleepy. Sitting upright may encourage your baby to remain alert for a longer time.
  • You have inverted nipples.

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