Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle hold is a good position for breastfeeding newborns. It allows you to control the baby's head.

With this hold, it can help to sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests.

• Bring your baby across the front of your body, tummy to tummy.
• Hold your baby with the arm that's not on the same side as the breast you're feeding from. This means left arm for right breast, and right arm for left breast.
• Support the back of the baby's head with your open hand. With the other hand, support your breast from the underside with a U-shaped hold.
• Guide the baby's mouth to your breast.

Don't bend over or lean forward. Instead, cradle your baby close to your breast. Try this position if your baby is having trouble attaching to the breast, also called latching. It may give you the control you need to guide the baby into a good latch.