Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Breastfeeding Positions

Overview

Breastfeeding in a proper position will help your baby latch on and breastfeed correctly and make your experience more enjoyable. Also, when you are in a comfortable and relaxed position, let-down happens more easily.

There are several breastfeeding positions. You are more likely to drain all areas of your breast by changing breastfeeding positions often. This helps to prevent blocked milk ducts. If you had a cesarean delivery, you may find some positions more comfortable than others.

In any position:

  • Don't bend over your baby when breastfeeding. Bring the baby to you—not you to the baby. Bending over can lead to back and neck problems.
  • Keep your baby's body and head aligned straight. The baby's head should be straight with the body, not turned to one side or tilted up or down while breastfeeding.
  • Use one or more pillows to support your arms and the baby. This will help you and your baby be more comfortable during feeding.

Cradle hold

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slide 1 of 5, Cradle hold,

In the cradle hold (traditional), you sit up with your back supported. One arm supports your baby, with your baby's head in the bend of your elbow and your open hand supporting the baby's bottom or back. Your baby's belly lies against yours. Use your other hand to support your breast and guide it into your baby's mouth for a proper latch.

Cross-cradle hold

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slide 2 of 5, Cross-cradle hold,

In the cross-cradle hold, your baby's abdomen lies against yours. One hand is low on the baby's head to give control as you bring your baby to the breast to latch. The other hand (on the same side as the breast being used) supports the breast and narrows it to help the baby form a good, deep latch onto the areola.

Football hold

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slide 3 of 5, Football hold,

In the football hold, you sit on a bed or sofa. Your baby is tucked under your arm and lying along the side you will be feeding on. You can use pillows to help support the baby and your arms. The baby's head is in your hand (on the same side as the breast being used), and the baby's upper body is supported by your arm. With that hand you can control the baby's head to bring the baby's mouth in quickly for a good latch. Your other hand reaches across to support and narrow your breast.

Side-lying position

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slide 4 of 5, Side-lying position,

In the side-lying position, you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. You can place pillows behind the baby's back for support. Your baby's mouth should be close to your nipple. The hand on your top side supports your lower breast and guides it into your infant's mouth. After the baby has latched on, you can use this arm to cuddle your baby into you closely.

Australian hold

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slide 5 of 5, Australian hold,

In the Australian hold, your baby is held vertically and straddles your thigh, facing you. Your knee supports your baby's bottom, while one hand is low on the baby's head to give control as you bring your baby to the breast to latch. The other hand (on the side opposite from the breast being used) supports and narrows the breast to help the baby form a good, deep latch on the areola.

Related Information

    Credits

    Current as of: April 30, 2024

    Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
    Clinical Review Board
    All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

    Current as of: April 30, 2024

    Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

    Clinical Review Board
    All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

    Dear patient

    I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

    Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
    6550 Fannin St.
    Smith Tower, Suite 1901
    Houston, TX 77030

    Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
    24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
    Fax: 713-790-2643
    Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

    I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

    Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

    Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

    I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

    Sincerely,
    Gopi A. Shah, MD

    Dear patient

    Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

    Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

    Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

    Our new address and contact information are:

    Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

    We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Albert Raizner,
    Dr. Michael Raizner,
    Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary