How to Breastfeed Your Baby in the Football Position

You can position your baby in a number of ways to breastfeed her, including the football hold. The football hold works well for mothers that have had Cesarean sections because it takes pressure off their abdomens. It also allows mothers of twins to breastfeed both babies at the same time if they wish to do so. Some mothers, and some babies, simply prefer this position. People frequently refer to it as the football position because it resembles the way people hold footballs, although others call it the clutch hold.

Instructions

1

Sit comfortably in an upright position. A chair with arms often works best but you can also feed your baby using the football position while sitting in a chair without arms, on a sofa or even sitting up in bed. Use pillows behind your back for support if necessary.

2

Position your baby at your side, with her head near your breast, her feet aiming toward your back and your elbow bent.

3

Support your baby's head with your open hand and support her back on your forearm. Rest a pillow on your lap and under your arm for support if desired.

4

Use your free hand to guide your breast to your baby's mouth. Make sure she takes in all or most of the areola, the colored part of the breast around the nipple, not only the nipple. Support your breast with your hand if necessary so it does not press against your baby's chin.

5

Switch your baby to your other breast after about 10 minutes or when her sucking begins to slow down, unless you are feeding twins and feeding both at the same time.