Crossover hold is a term used to describe a particular nursing position that is one of the most common breastfeeding positions. It is also sometimes referred to as a cross-chest hold or cross-cradle hold. It is a variation of the football hold, with the baby’s head on one arm, his head resting on her breast, and his body across the mother’s chest, the baby belly to belly to the mother. A pillow may be needed to raise the baby to the nipple level.
This technique is similar to the cradle hold with the arms positioned differently where instead of the crook of the arm supporting the baby’s head, the hand of that arm is used to support the breast. The opposite arm should come around the back of the baby with the hand of that arm supporting the baby’s head, neck, and shoulder. The hand of that arm is positioned at the base of the baby’s head, the thumb and index finger at the baby’s ear level.
This is one of the ideal nursing positions for the baby as it provides the most support to the child while also allowing the mom full control over her infant with just one arm. It helps to keep the baby’s airway open and makes it easier for him to nurse and is especially good for newborns, small babies, and infants who have trouble latching.
These are some synonyms or closely related terms to Crossover Hold:
- Cradle Hold
- Clutch or Football hold
- Side cradle hold
- Supported cradle hold
- Side-Lying Position
- Koala Hold
- Laid-back Hold
- Post-cesarean Laid-back Hold
- Twin Hold
This image shows how often the term ‘Crossover Hold’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
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