Cradle Hold (Tummy-to-Tummy)

Sit comfortably. A pillow or footstool may help.
Cradle your baby with your arm, his/her tummy against yours and head resting in the bend of your elbow. Keep you baby’s ear, shoulders and hip in a straight line.
Tuck your baby’s lower arm under your arm or under your breast with his/her mouth close to your breast.
Support your breast with your free hand; place all of your fingers underneath it, well away from the areola.
Rest your thumb lightly on top of your breast above your areola.
Lift your breast upward and lightly stroke your nipple on your baby’s lower lip. As part of the rooting reflex, his/her mouth will open wide. This may take a few minutes to happen.
Pull your baby quickly onto the breast to latch-on when his/her mouth is opened wide, like a big yawn, and the tongue is down. Do not lean over your baby. Instead pull your baby up to your breast.
For laid back breastfeeding, mother relaxes in a reclined position with the baby positioned tummy-to tummy so baby can use his/her instincts to get to the breast. Allow baby's cheek to rest somewhere near the bare breast. Mother can hold breast or not depending on what is comfortable for her. This is a learning process and may take time for baby to latch.

Look up helpful health information.

Practical info for Sutter patients.

Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.

Patients and Visitors