Cradle Hold
- Sit comfortably (a pillow may help), or sit with your feet on a footstool.
- Cradle your baby with your arm, his/her tummy against yours and head resting in the bend of your elbow. Your baby's ear, shoulders and hip should be in a straight line.
- Tuck your baby's lower arm under your arm, or under your breast, out of the way with his/her mouth close to your breast.
- Support your breast with your free hand; place all of your fingers underneath it, well away from the areola.
- Rest your thumb lightly on top of your breast above your areola.
- Lift your breast upward and lightly stroke your nipple on your baby's lower lip. As part of the rooting reflex, his/her mouth will open wide. This may take a few minutes to happen.
- Pull your baby quickly onto the breast to latch-on when his/her mouth is opened wide, like a big yawn, and his/her tongue is down. Do not lean over your baby. Instead pull your baby up to your breast.
