Breastfeeding is natural and beautiful, but it can still take some practice. While there are several breastfeeding positions to choose from, one that often gets overlooked but offers numerous advantages is the football hold. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of the football hold for breastfeeding and provide a brief guide on how to try it out for yourself.
The Football Hold: What is it?
The football hold, also known as the clutch or underarm hold, is a breastfeeding position where the baby's body is tucked under the mother's arm, resembling how you might carry an American football. The baby's legs and feet extend towards the mother's back, and their head is positioned at breast level.
Benefits of the Football Hold:
Improved Latch: Many women find that the football hold allows for better visibility of your baby's latch. You can easily guide your baby's mouth to your breast, ensuring a deeper latch and reducing the risk of nipple pain and discomfort.
Control and Comfort: This position offers excellent control, especially if you have a large bust or your baby is small. It can be more comfortable for mothers recovering from a cesarean section as it keeps the baby's weight away from the incision area.
Twin Feeding: The football hold is ideal for breastfeeding twins. You can simultaneously nurse both babies, with each baby positioned under one arm, making it a practical choice for mothers of multiples.
Colic Relief: Some babies with colic or reflux may find relief in this position as it can help minimize gas and discomfort by keeping the baby in a more upright position during feeding.
How to Try the Football Hold:
Get Comfortable: Sit in a comfortable chair or use plenty of pillows to support your back and arms.
Position Baby: Place a pillow or cushion under your baby for support. Hold your baby with their body alongside your side, tummy to mummy, and head at breast level. Your baby's legs should extend towards your back and her spine should be nice and straight (ears above shoulders, shoulders above hips).
Support the Breast: Use your opposite hand to support your breast. Make a "C" shape with your hand, with your thumb above the breast and your fingers below. This helps guide your baby to the nipple.
Latch-On: Bring your baby's mouth to your breast, ensuring their nose is in line with your nipple. Use your thumb to point your nipple towards baby's forehead. Encourage your baby to open wide by dragging your nipple down their nose and upper lip, and once their mouth is wide open, bring to breast chin first and guide their mouth up and over the nipple.
Comfort: Ensure your baby's neck is well-supported and that their body is close to yours. Adjust the position as needed to make sure both you and your baby are comfortable.
The football hold can take some practice to master, so don't be discouraged if it feels a bit awkward at first! Experiment with different pillows or cushions to find the right support for you and your baby.
In conclusion, the football hold is a versatile and comfortable breastfeeding position that offers various benefits. It's particularly useful for mothers of twins, those recovering from a C-section, or babies with reflux. As with any breastfeeding position, the key is finding what works best for you and your baby to make the breastfeeding journey as enjoyable and nourishing as possible.
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