The Breastfeeding C-Hold
The C-Hold, also known as the palmer grasp, is the most common hand position that moms use to support the breast when latching the baby on to breastfeed. The steps for using the C-hold are: This hold gives you the ability to control the movement of your breast and direct your nipple toward your baby’s mouth. Whether you prefer a traditional latch or an asymmetrical latch, the C-hold will allow you to aim your nipple into the proper position so that the baby latches on correctly. Almost everyone can use the C-hold. It works well when you are breastfeeding in a position, such as the cradle position or the football (clutch) hold. It is a particularly good hold if you have large breasts or small hands. Preemies and babies with small mouths may also benefit from latching on with the C-hold. However, if you have small breasts or large hands, you may find the V-hold to be more comfortable. There is a variation of the C-hold called the U-hold. It is basically the C-hold rotated from a letter C position to a letter U position. Some women feel the U-hold provides better support under the breast since the hand is cupping the breast from underneath with the thumb going up one side of the breast and the fingers going up the other side.
The Breastfeeding V-Hold
The V-hold, also known as the scissor grasp, is another way to hold your breast while your baby is latching on to breastfeed. The steps for using the V-hold are: This hold works well for women with small breasts or large hands. As mentioned above, women with large breasts or small hands may feel more comfortable using the C-hold.
A Word From Verywell
When you or your baby are first learning to breastfeed, it can be helpful to hold and guide your breast into your baby’s mouth. Plus, the breasts can become large and heavy once your milk comes in. So, using the V-hold or C-hold lets you support your breast and helps to get the baby latched on correctly. Depending on the size of your breast and your hand, you should choose the hold that feels the most natural to you. You may only need to use a breast hold for a short time. As your baby gets older, breastfeeding becomes more established, and you become more confident, you might find that you no longer need to hold your breast when your baby latches on to breastfeed.
