Football hold

Definition

The “football hold” is a breastfeeding position often used by mothers, especially after a cesarean section. In this hold, the baby is tucked under the mother’s arm, similar to how a football is held, with the baby’s feet pointing towards the mother’s back. The mother supports the baby’s head with her hand to bring the baby to her breast to nurse.

Key Takeaways

1. The “Football Hold” is a breastfeeding position often recommended for mothers who had a C section, as it keeps the baby away from the incision area, providing more comfort while feeding.
2. This breastfeeding hold gets its name because the mother holds the baby similar to how a football is cradled under the arm, providing better control and visibility of the baby while they latch and feed.
3. The Football Hold is also ideal for mothers with large breasts, twins, or for babies who have difficulty latching, as it allows the mother to better control the baby’s head and aid them in latching properly.

Importance

The term “Football Hold” is crucial in motherhood, particularly for breastfeeding mothers, as it refers to a breastfeeding position that can be incredibly beneficial for both the mother and the baby.

This position is known as the “football hold” because the mother cradles her baby similar to how a football player would hold a football.

This position is particularly useful for mothers who have had a caesarean section because it keeps pressure off the abdomen.

Additionally, it can help if a baby has latch or feeding issues, or if the mother is nursing twins.

Furthermore, it allows the mother to see the baby’s latch more clearly and can provide added control and support.

Explanation

The Football Hold, also known as the Clutch Hold, is a breastfeeding technique that has been particularly beneficial for mothers and their babies. The primary purpose of this hold is to create a comfortable and effective environment for breastfeeding, which better ensures that the baby is receiving adequate nutrition.

Moreover, it facilitates the baby’s ability to latch onto the nipple correctly, a crucial factor in successful breastfeeding. It’s named as such because it resembles how a football would be securely tucked under the arm.

The Football Hold is commonly endorsed to mothers who might have had a cesarean section, as it doesn’t exert any pressure on the abdomen hence reducing potential discomforts. Mothers with a large bust or those who are breastfeeding twins heavily utilize this method due to the control it provides over the feeding process.

This method is also exceedingly advisable for babies who have trouble latching onto the breast. It allows better visibility for the mother to see and adjust the baby’s mouth on her nipple, and it gives the baby a large nose-to-nose contact area, enabling enhanced secure attachment.

Examples of Football hold

Breastfeeding: The “football hold” is a common term used in maternity circles for a type of breastfeeding posture. In this hold, the mother tucks the baby under her arm (like a football) on the same side that she’s nursing from. This position allows the mother to have more control and can be especially useful for mothers who have had a cesarean section, have large breasts, or are breastfeeding twins.

Infant Care: In terms of general baby care, a mother may use the football hold when burping her baby as it’s considered a comfortable and effective way to help a baby release excess gas after feeding. The baby is held securely under the mother’s arm, with their belly resting on the mother’s forearm and the head supported in her hand.

Baby Bonding: The football hold is not only used for breastfeeding or burping. Many new mothers use this position to simply bond with their newborns. The close contact can reassure and settle a baby, helping to strengthen the mother-infant bond. It’s also an opportunity for skin-to-skin contact which is beneficial for the baby’s development and emotional security.

FAQs about the Football Hold

What is the football hold in breastfeeding?

The football hold, also known as the clutch hold, is a breastfeeding position where the mother supports the baby at her side, under her arm. The mother uses her arm to support the baby’s body, and makes a “goalpost” with her hand on his back. It’s called the football hold because it’s similar to the way a football is tucked under the arm.

Who can benefit from the football hold?

Mothers who have had a cesarean section might find the football hold more comfortable because it keeps pressure off the abdomen. This position is also helpful for mothers with large breasts, twins, a small or premature baby, or issues with latching.

What are the steps to achieve a football hold?

To achieve a football hold, the mother should sit in a comfortable, upright position, with a pillow supporting her arm. The baby’s back should rest on the mother’s forearm, with his legs and feet tucked under the mother’s arm. The baby’s head should be level with the mother’s breast, and the baby should take in a large part of the nipple and areola.

Are there any disadvantages in using the football hold?

One potential disadvantage of the football hold is that the baby’s weight is not fully supported by the mother’s body, so it might be difficult to maintain this position for a long feeding. This position might also be challenging in tight quarters because it requires some elbow room.

Can the football hold be performed while lying down?

Yes, the football hold can be adapted for side-lying, which might be helpful for nighttime feedings. However, the mother needs to ensure that the baby’s nose is not pressed into her body, which could interfere with his breathing.

Related Motherhood Terms

• Latching
• Positioning for Breastfeeding
• Cradle Hold
• Cross-Cradle Hold
• Side-Lying Position

Sources for More Information

• Mayo Clinic: This is a reputable source for any medical-related information, including breastfeeding techniques such as the football hold.
• La Leche League International: This site is dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. They have information about different breastfeeding positions, including the football hold.
• Healthy Children: This site is run by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and it has a wide array of articles related to children’s health, including information about breastfeeding.
• Baby Center: This site covers everything from pregnancy to newborn care, and it has a wealth of articles on breastfeeding, including helpful images and illustrations.