The football hold

[Isadora]

I have been using the football hold to feed DD since the midwife introduced me to it in the hospital. Its the most comfy position for me to feed her in, no pain. Today I experimented with the cradle/cross the body hold and its ok on one side but too nippy on the other. I would like to continue with the football hold but its an awkward and uncomfy one to use in public, best done on the lounge at home with pillows. As DD gets older and her mouth gets bigger etc will it be easier for me to use the cradle hold? Anyone have any tips?

[AnyDream]

Isadora yes it gets easier as your BFing relationship settles in, you're both still learning with each other. And yes as she gets bigger and her mouth is bigger it does get easier to feed in different positions. Hang in there, sounds like you're doing a great job already.

[kelebek]

I had to use the football hold a lot for my right side at first. As time wore on I was able to feed in the cradle/cross position

[human bean]

I agree with MD, it does get easier as you both settle into it, and as your DD gets older. I too fed football hold on the right and cross body on the left for ages, and one day we just had the knack of it for a cross hold on either side. If I was out in mother's room I just used my nappy bag as a 'pillow' of sorts so I could still do the football hold, as it just didn't work for us any other way for the first 6wks or so.

Sounds like you two are doing a terrific job

[Barb Glare]

As others have said, you are still on your breastfeeding L-plates. It will get easier and easier. Keep practicing different holds. Most mums eventually feed in the cradle hold - because it's just easier. One of these days you will be down in the local cafe with your chai latte in one hand and your baby on the breast with the other - it gets so much easier. Just give it time...and practise

[SammyRo]

I'm another one that for ages did the cross body on one side, and football hold on the other. It was the same with both baies, but it does get easier and like Barb says, very soon, you'll be doing something one-handed whilst feeding (unless your bub is like my DS, where I couldn't do anything or else he's pull off to see what I was doing, leaving me nicely exposed lol!)

[Isadora]

Thanks girls for the reassurance. We took DD1 to the park today and I fed while we were there using the football hold. Sooooo uncomfy and awkward in public but so be it for awhile I guess.

[Artechim]

You are doing a really great job Isadora! It will get much easier as she grows xx

[Snacks]

Totally agree with the other PPs. Like HB, I used to use the nappy bag with a jumper or blankie on top to rest N on when we were in public. I also think your nipples get less sensitive as you travel along, so that's another reason why things get easier with a bit of time. I found with my second my boobs took a much shorter time to "settle in".

[MummaSue]

Hey hun,

We used football hold for ages in the beginning and I was really anxious about trying it the "normal" way when out. It took practice but we got there.
Just practice at home, it does feel a bit strange at first as bubby is sucking from a different angle but you'll get there and it won't feel nippy any more.

[Isadora]

Thanks again ladies. Today I have fed twice on one side using the cross the body hold, but the other side is still a bit nippy. Just going to keep practicing. I guess I am just feeling a tad anxious about it simply because the football hold in public looks awkward and definately is awkward for me lol

[Kmn]

As bubs get bigger you will find you can ditch the pillows, so you can feed with a football hold in public anywhere there is space for bub to sit beside you (i.e. a bench seat, or the floor if you really have to).
Hang in there - it will all work out in the end, and you are going really well!

[Snacks]

I saw someone feeding a small-ish baby at work yesterday using this hold and thought of you The baby was prob about 5mo, and the mum looked very practiced and comfortable with it, and it wasn't until I got a bit closer to walk past her to my door that I realised the baby was actually feeding. So, while I must admit I never managed to achieve it myself, it is possible to continue using this hold and feed without feeling or looking like your boobs are hanging out everywhere. I am sure with a little more practice you will be able to feed comfortably and confidently however and wherever.

[Isadora]

Thanks Snacks!!

[Eenee]

I have the same problem with the right side and found using the football hold easier to, but i've just started trying to do it the other way and it's very ouchy but then again holding her the other way was just as ouchy. And yes totally get what you mean about using that position in public! very hard!

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Football on the right side here right up until we finished.
It works in public but i guess it is also the most exposing of the boob - which for me was stuff the other people but use a wrap under the bra for my own comfort. Once your dearie becomes more effeicient at feeding and finding the nipple it will make it easier for you too.
I could cradle to the left but never to the right!

[MummaSue]

I loved football hold..... still do it now and again and get some really weird looks from DD when we do