LOL - I think the American version of football hold relates to how the ball is carried by football players, tucked under their arm. Football in the US isn't soccer. The ball is an oval about 10-12 " long. But I have no clue where the term started or exactly when.
Then I went on a search in the lactation/positioning files. The oldest ref I found was 1986 and mentioned good for moms who had a c-section. Looking at various pictures I think it shows mom has more control of the baby's head
Pat in SNJ
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