Free Breastfeeding Video Demonstrates Latch with the Cross-Cradle Hold
October 16, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, breastfeeding basics, breastfeeding videos, how to, mothering
In this video Dr. Jack Newman guides a woman in using the cross-cradle hold to latch her baby onto the breast. While there are many different breastfeeding positions, the cross-cradle hold can be particularly helpful for newborns. Note how the mother is not forcefully pushing the baby’s head onto the breast, but rather is simply supporting the head and bringing the baby tummy-to-tummy and using her arm on the baby’s back and hand under the baby’s face. This position also allows for breast compressions (using the mother’s thumb on top of the breast and four fingers underneath the breast to compress the breast when baby is just “nibbling” and not actively sucking and swallowing large mouthfuls).
