30/04/2026
I definitely used the cross cradle hold A LOT, and to be honest it was the way I was first shown. I tried different positions and it changed as my children got older too but always defaulted back to cross cradle. And the laid back position was an absolute god send when I had a c-section.
What position do you use? Do you tend to go for what you know/have been taught or do you try other feeding positions?
Let us know in the comments. As always we love to hear from you, so any questions pop us a message (or comment) and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
Helen, Belper BEAR 🥰
This post might seem like I'm stating the obvious, but many of the mums I'm seeing at the moment are using cross-cradle hold because they've been given the impression that this is the position they have to use, and that it is the 'correct' position to feed in.
Cross-cradle is a mother-led position. There are times when it works well. But for many mother-baby dyads it can be problematic for a few reasons:
- it tends to limit baby's neck extension, and can result in a suboptimal latch
- it can cause some babies to get annoyed! They know how to breastfeed, and may not respond well to being pushed to the breast.
- it may not be comfortable for the mother
- research has found that cross-cradle hold increases the risk of sore or cracked ni**les
If cross-cradle position ia working for you - great! If not, consider trying a more laid back position and giving your baby more automony in the latching and feeding process. Attend a group for support, or seek out one-to-one support.
Sometimes the smallest changes to positioing can have a huge positive impact on breastfeeding for you and your baby.
