Supporting the breast in a "U "hold for cross cradle or "C" hold for clutch can really help some mothers, especially the ones with larger breasts. However, it does not work for all of my mothers. As far as placing the hand on the areola, you should take a look at the excellent videos by Sue Cox and Rebecca Glover where they show placing the thumb right next to the nipple. This technique works well for many moms. Heather Kelly shows a similar technique in the Real Deal About Breastfeeding. I have no financial interest in any of these films but like to show a variety in my breastfeeding classes so mothers can see that there are many ways to latch a baby. After birth we start with one technique and go from there- whatever works! Melissa Folsom, MPA, IBCLC, LCCE Complete Children's Health Lincoln, NE *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html Mail all commands to [log in to unmask] To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or [log in to unmask]) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet or ([log in to unmask]) To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]