The football hold was a disaster for me. Even at 1 day old DS just used his legs to push himself off the back of the chair.
Another alternative to the football hold that works for many mums who struggle with the cradle hold, is to sit in a reclined position and try having baby vertically down your chest and tummy. Have you tried that?
Hi,
The football hold can be a lifesaver in the early days. However, it does get difficult as the baby grows. usually mastering the cradle hold just needs practice and patients but most mothers and babies get there. Having a helper, such as a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding counsellor at your local Australian /breastfeeding Association meeting can help enormously. It's amazing how a few hits and tips from an experienced mother can help
Lying down feeding is awesome! Dont knock it til you've tried it!
The feet kicking the couch happens with cradle hold too, it just takes longer. Have you tried no pillow or just a folded towel to get bub up at the right height?
Yeah, Mel, try lying down! Once you get the hang of it, it's ace! We only do it for night feeds now, otherwise my boob gets snapped about like a rubber band.
I saw an awesome mum football holding in public - she perched her nappy bag on an adjacent chair and used that to support the baby. Clever!
football hold for 3 years and counting here!
Over the next few weeks she will be less floppy and other holds may become easier. But, if you have a large bust, you may find that football holds are always easier...
You don't necessarily have to wrap her legs around you - anything that gets that little head where it needs to be is fine. I used to cross my legs and just rest bub on my thing to get to the correct height
We did the football hold for about 2 1/2 months and it just got too awkward when we were out etc. I decided to change to the cradle hold, it took a cpl weeks of persevering and practice for both of us to get it but now I don't use the football hold at all. I find it so much easier to cradle her, especially when we are out and about.
DS is 22 weeks and I still prefer the football hold at home. I do use a My Breast Friend bf'ing pillow though. And like Audax, I have a nest of pillows on the couch supporting my back. I don't use the football hold out because I can't seem to do it without the pillow so I revert to the cradle hold - I just don't find it so comfortable and feel like DS feeds so much better in the football hold (but that could be my imagination). Our couch at home is pretty deep so while I have the pillows behind my back, DS' legs now kind of wrap around behind me - he kicks like crazy when feeding and my DH finds it very entertaining to watch. Of course, I can't see it in my position.
We did the football hold for 15 months. Towards the end I could do the cradle hold but DD would only do it on one side. It was a pain to feed in public though.
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