For mothers who are being thwarted in their attempts to nurse their babies; Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for help. In this time of trouble I call, for you will answer me. Psalm 86: 6-7
Breastfeeding Positions that Hinder
We strongly caution moms against using any of these positions:
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Cross Cradle Hold position (HSH)
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Football Hold position (HSH)​
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Log Hold position (HSH)
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Laid Back Nursing position
We see moms having many, many problems when they use the
HSH - 'Hand Supporting the baby's head or neck’ breastfeeding positions.
This website was developed to help moms avoid the problems caused by these positions and to learn effective natural breastfeeding techniques.
When we teach moms to use the Cradle Hold position, their problems heal, babies thrive and moms nurse effectively for as long as they want.
Remember that timing is important.
The earlier the mom learns to use the Cradle Hold and stops using any of the HSH holds, the sooner the baby will nurse effectively.
The Cradle Hold is effective from birth through weaning.
There is a learning curve for both baby and mom when breastfeeding.
It should only take 3 or 4 nursing sessions for mom and baby to get comfortable.
But, if baby is also getting bottles, pacifiers or if mom is using nipple shields, these can interfere with baby learning how to latch, can cause soreness and with bringing in a full milk supply.
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This is why we recommend that no products be used during the first 6 weeks after birth.
Please carefully observe the differences in the breastfeeding positions that hinder and in the breastfeeding positions that help.
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Observe the baby's head and neck in the pictures.
Q: Is it being held by mom's hand or is it resting on top of her elbow area?
Q: When baby is nursing on the left side, where are mom's left and right hands?
Q: When baby is nursing on the right side, where are mom's left and right hands?
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The way baby is held while nursing makes all the difference between nursing effectively and comfortably and having nursing problems.
Correct positioning is the foundation of effective breastfeeding.
NOTHING will heal breastfeeding problems when a mom uses an HSH position until she stops using the HSH position and learns how to do the Cradle Hold position.
And when a mom learns how to use the Cradle Hold position (or Lap Nursing hold), her problems will heal, baby will thrive, and moms will be able to nurse for as long as they want.
And please also keep in mind that different lactation personnel call breastfeeding positions by different names.
Hence, please look at the pictures to see what I am talking about for each position.
1 - Cross Cradle Hold Position - CAUTION: Causes many problems
Caution - Cross Cradle Hold Position HSH
Cradle Hold Position
Compare the HSH Cross Cradle Hold with the Time-Tested and Effective Cradle Hold Position. Where are mom's hands? What supports baby's head?
Many lactation personnel teach moms to use the Cross Cradle Hold at birth, saying that it is better for head control, it is not. It causes many problems.
Please do NOT use the Cross Cradle Hold.
Q: What position is effective from birth through weaning?
A: The Cradle Hold.
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See Problems from the Cross Cradle, Football and Log Positions.
2 - Football Hold Position - CAUTION Causes many problems
CAUTION Football Hold Position - HSH
The Football Hold is Not Recommended.
It restricts moms to being in a place where she must have pillows and it risks all the issues that HSH positions often cause.
Q: What position is comfortable and effective?
A: The Cradle Hold.
See Problems from the Cross Cradle, Football and Log Positions.
3 - Log Hold Position - CAUTION Causes many problems
CAUTION Log Hold Position - HSH
The Log Hold Position is Not Recommended.
A mom's hands, wrists and arms tire quickly when holding the baby's head in this position, for as long as baby needs to nurse. The Log Hold also risks all the problems that HSH positions often cause.
Q: What position is effective and comfortable?
A: The Cradle Hold Position.
See Problems from the Cross Cradle, Football and Log Positions
4 - Laid Back Nursing Position - CAUTION - Causes many problems
CAUTION Laid Back Nursing Position
The Laid Back Nursing Position is Not Recommended.
This position makes it difficult for many babies to latch on effectively, it restricts a mother to staying in this position and is not as comfortable for mom or baby as the Cradle Hold Position or the Lying Down Position. See Laid Back Nursing Position
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Please observe the differences between the Laid Back Nursing Position and Cradle Hold and Lying Down Positions. How is baby's head supported in each picture?
Cradle Hold Position - effective and time-tested
