BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS
Cross-Cradle Hold Breastfeeding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your baby lies across your body while the opposite arm supports their neck and shoulders. This can give you a different way to guide your baby towards the breast while they attach.
How to use the cross-cradle hold
- Support yourself first Sit back comfortably with relaxed shoulders. Support your back, feet and forearms as needed.
- Choose the opposite arm For the left breast, hold your baby with your right arm; for the right breast, use your left arm.
- Bring your baby across you Hold their whole front close against your body, with their chest facing the breast and their ear, shoulder and hip aligned.
- Support neck and shoulders Place your palm between their shoulder blades and your fingers around the base of their head. Avoid pressing the back of their head.
- Start nose to nipple Allow their head to tip back. Wait for a wide mouth, then bring their body in so their chin contacts the breast first.
- Adjust your support Once feeding is comfortable, keep supporting with the opposite arm or move into a cradle hold if that feels easier.
Baby and parent alignment
- Your baby’s chest and tummy face you rather than the ceiling.
- Their ear, shoulder and hip stay in a straight line.
- The opposite forearm supports their back and the hand supports neck and shoulders.
- Their head remains free to tip back; it is not pushed forwards.
- Your breast stays in its natural position and your shoulders remain relaxed.
Attachment and comfort
The cross-cradle hold can make it easier to see your baby’s mouth and guide their whole body towards the breast. Aim for a wide mouth, chin against the breast, rounded cheeks and rhythmic swallowing.
- Use the free hand to support the breast only if helpful, keeping fingers well back from the areola.
- Bring your baby in with their chest and shoulders rather than pushing their head.
- Support your forearm after attachment so your wrist and shoulder do not become strained.
When the cross-cradle hold may be useful
Some parents find this hold useful while learning attachment, when a baby is small or sleepy, or when they want more control of the approach to the breast. A feeding specialist may also demonstrate it when helping with a particular attachment difficulty.
These are possibilities rather than rules. If you and your baby are comfortable in another position, there is no need to change.
What to do if breastfeeding hurts
Pain that continues is a reason to pause and reposition. Break the suction gently, bring your baby closer with their nose level with your nipple and wait for a wider mouth before trying again.
Seek early help for ongoing pain, nipple damage or concerns about feeding. A midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter can watch a feed and tailor advice to you and your baby. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if pain persists or you feel unwell.
Where to get breastfeeding support in the UK
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or local infant-feeding service. The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers support 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212.
The Watch card links directly to La Leche League East Cambridgeshire’s cross-cradle demonstration.
Watch: Cross-Cradle Hold
La Leche League East Cambridgeshire demonstrates the cross-cradle breastfeeding position.
Watch the demonstration