Hi, Gonnecke:  I so agree with you.  The bottom line is mom and baby need to 
be positioned in such a way that 3 things happen:
1.  Both are physically comfortable in whatever position they have chosen.  No 
aching shoulders, back, neck, for mom and no uncomfortable body parts on 
baby.
2.  Baby is obviously getting milk - audible/visible swallowing taking place.
3.  Mom's nipples are comfortable.
That's it!
If any or all of the above are not taking place, the feeding needs re-evaluation.
I frequently tell my moms who are overly anxious about exact position and 
latch that if I would have all the breastfeeding moms that day (18) come into 
her room and ask all 19 moms to nurse their babies in the cradle hold, we 
would see 19 different cradle holds.  Because each mom/baby is going to nurse 
in the cradle hold that is comfortable for her.  Instant reduction in mom's 
anxiety level when she approaches breastfeeding this way!
When helping a large-breasted woman to position herself and her baby 
comfortably, I advise getting herself in a comfortable position and look where 
her nipples fall and then bring the baby to her nipple.  I have had some moms 
laugh and tell me that then their babies are laying in their laps because their 
breasts are so pendulous!  So what - it's whatever works for that particular 
mom and her baby.


Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL    USA

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