Need help w/ cradle position

valeivegas

When DS was born I loved using my brest friend pillow but now he's become so long half his body is hanging off of it so I don't think it's useful anymore.  Most of the time now I feed him using the side-lying position.  I've tried using the cradle position but when I switch him to the left side (my weaker arm) it never seems to work.  I use pillows for support but it's still difficult b/c he's so long.  I think it might be easier once he gets more control over his head, but until then any tips on using this position? 

I haven't BF in public yet but we're taking a short road trip to the in-laws tomorrow & I'll have to use this position then.  any tips on doing this in public?  I'm more concerned about having the proper support for my arms in public - DS is already 17 lbs - it's hard to hold him up!

cchill01

I have a really long baby too, so I understand your concern.  Try turning your boppy/breast friend in a different way.  Working on the side you want to nurse from.  Take the 'arms' and point them toward the ceiling, with the U part resting on your thigh.  Lean the boppy/breast friend up against a sofa arm.  That way your arm is kind of supported in the part that is supposed to go around your waist.  The baby will be sitting on your lap with plenty of room for long legs.  It sounds strange, but it works for me

The other thing I found really useful when out of the house was nursing in the car.  If your car seat is in the middle, you can sit on either side and rest your arm on either the car seat or the door. 

The other good position for traveling is sitting on the floor, with your back against a sofa or a bed.  Put a pillow at the small of your back.  Bend your knees up toward you.  That way you're using your legs to support/squeeze the baby and your arms are free to control his head. 

Soon enough, you won't have to support his head and it all gets much easier.

valeivegas

Thanks for the tips - I never thought about turning the pillow upwards - that just might work!

Clotho!

have you tried cross cradle on your left side? You hold his head w/ your right hand and support  the breast w/ your left that way you can still use your dominate hand to hold the baby.