Lap Nursing Hold Text
The Lap Nursing Hold is only effective for
this specific body type;
Mother has a shorter torso and breasts large enough that when baby is laying
across mother’s legs, he/she can reach mother’s nipple while his/her head rests on
mother’s leg.
Note that baby is NOT being lifted to the breast by mother’s hand.
The Lap Nursing Hold is only for women who have this specific body shape. This hold
works for women who have shorter torsos and large breasts that reach baby’s mouth as he lies
on his side on mother’s lap. Her breasts are large enough to reach baby’s mouth as he
rests his head on her lap. Baby is NOT lifted to the breast, he can reach the nipple
comfortably with his head resting on mother’s legs.
In this position, baby is placed on his side facing mother, as close as possible, across mother’s
lap. Mother pulls him in close to her breast by pulling his back towards her.
While this hold may look similar to the cross cradle hold it is very different. In the
cross cradle hold the mother’s hand is lifting baby to her breast. Holding baby’s head/neck
with her hand is what causes wrist and arm soreness and other problems.
In the lap nursing hold, baby is supported by mother’s lap. Since mother is not lifting
baby with her hand, this breastfeeding position does not create the hand, wrist, and
arm pain that the cross cradle hold causes.
The lap nursing position, is effective because it supports the baby’s head and body on
mother’s legs and still allows enough flexibility so that the baby can make minor adjustments
with his head and mouth for an effective latch. This way the baby is an active partner in latching.
Throughout our efforts to get help for mothers suffering from the HSH holds, other breastfeeding
counselors have argued that the cradle hold doesn’t work for mothers with this specific body type.
That is a reason why they say they teach the cross cradle or football holds. But the problems of
the HSH holds will happen for all mothers using those holds. They may not show up in the
hospital while the baby is still getting over the effects of the birth trauma or medication, but in time
they always show up.
So we do not recommend using any HSH hold. For this body type we recommend the
Lap Nursing Hold.
Go to the Lap Nursing Movie page for more information.
Go to the Cradle Hold Text page for more positioning information.
For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to Him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2: 6-11
