Can only feed cross cradle

[CleanAllTheThings]

I learnt to feed my dd cross cradle which was fine when she was small but she is now a chunky 9week old and I'm finding it hard to hold and feed her comfortably when we are out. At home I rest her on a v pillow on my lap and hold my breast with my hand on the side she feeds, this works really well but I've got big boobs and can't seem to get a good latch in any other position. We have almost got there when I'm wearing a proper peep hole nursing top as it holds my boob up a bit(34j, gravity not my friend) but the latch isn't great.

Does anyone else have this problem? She never seems very happy when I cradle her head. Will she get used to it with practise or as she gets bigger or are we too stuck in our ways now? All the other mums look so comfy feeding at the group I go to and I feel like an awkward lump with a boob in one hand while I try to balance dd across my lap!

[Blongle]

I know how you feel. I could only feed DC1 rugby ball style. Nice and easy at home with a pillow to rest her on but, when we were out and about, I used to have to balance her on the changing bag.

[Sammie101]

I had a similar problem where I could only feed rugby ball style, and with 36H boobs that didn't work so well out and about!

Holding her across my tummy supporting her head never worked at first but eventually with practise it just clicked! And feeding out and about is much easier I would say practice at home and see how it goes! Good luck

[northerngoldilocks]

It does get much easier- especially once they gain more head control. Just stick with it for now and one day you'll realise you don't have to support them as much

[CleanAllTheThings]

Glad I'm not alone! I suppose it is still pretty early days although it feels like she has been around forever (in a good way!). I'm also trying to crack feeding lying down which is starting to get easier now her head is bigger, can't wait for that to click so I don't have to get out of bed in the night ;)
Any tips gratefully received as it's putting me off going out with her for long.

[mrsmartin1984]

I was like this. I used to cross cradle one side and rugby ball the other (I know random). I started trying a different position each time, then go back to what I knew if it didn't work. She know sits on my lap and feeds when we are out and about (much easier)

The same principle applies to every position to begin with nose to nipple (well going up nipple), belly facing you, body inline.

[Sammie101]

Feeding lying down is SO much better for those midnight feeds, I hated having to drag myself out of bed and into the living room to feed her!
I think with not leaving the room and having any lights on makes baby settle easier too the only problem I have with feeding lying down is my DD likes to leak milk and it makes puddles on the sheets, I have to put a towel down

[BrieMonster]

I'm the same age, also big boobs and find that the easiest position too. I do manage a regular cradle when out and find raising my feet helps. (At home i use toddler wee step stool and then lean back a bit.) Legs help to prop up arms making it easier to cradle. I'm then holding my boob with the opposite hand too so I can't eat my scone but works for me. Local midwife-led groups worked for me. Not just for newborns! They really emphasised the 'baby flat against your body' thing.. Sorry I am rubbish at explaining. Try a group!!

Good luck.