Hi Nikki and Ginger:
While most "holds" will work for some babies when the situation suits, I am
always concerned when a mother is taught this one (sometimes antenatally)
as "the one correct positioning". There is no "one correct way". This
position was very popular in Australia with hospital staff from about
1988 and - to my mind - the essential element was "control" (by an adult).
I suspect I was considered a bit of a heretic in some circles for
questioning it and offering other ways, when appropriate. This idea of one
"correct" way has changed and the value of a variety of positions or holds
is now recognised, particularly since Dr Suzanne Colston work on
"laid-back" positions.

I found the cross-cradle hold very awkward to demonstrate to mothers (as
one of a variety of "holds") and I was in fact unable to master it till I
was in my 50s. So it is just as well no one tried to teach me that position
when I was a new Mum. My first baby self-attached on the delivery table in
a side-lying position. Later, after I relactated after an early iatrogenic
setback, she fed in a laid-back position across me as I sat with my feet
and legs up in a traditional Australian "squatter's chair". (A "squatter"
was a land holder, usually implying affluence, and these chairs were
designed for relaxing on wide verandas.)

While cross cradle has its uses in specific circumstances or if the mother
prefers it, it doesn't really support infant self-attachment and following
the infant's innate behaviours. One of those circumstances can be if the
baby cannot self attach, perhaps because of never having been given the
chance as a newborn, or because of developmental delays or mother
difficulties. If a mother is using this position exclusively, I try to give
her some options on positions so that she and her baby can try what works
for them without being limited.

My 2 cents worth.

Virginia

Dr Virginia Thorley, OAM, PhD, IBCLC, FILCA
Private practice lactation consultant
(continuously certified since 1985)
Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

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