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.