Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The football hold is an effective feeding position for infants with cleft lip or palate, as it helps to minimize the risk of reflux. This position allows the caregiver to support the baby's head and shoulders while the baby's body is aligned along the arm, which helps keep the baby's head elevated. By maintaining this upright position, gravity assists in reducing the likelihood of milk flow back into the esophagus, thereby preventing reflux.

Supporting the baby in this manner also facilitates better control of the nipple or bottle, allowing the caregiver to ensure a proper latch and manage the pace of feeding more effectively. Furthermore, the football hold provides good access for either breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which is particularly beneficial for babies who may have difficulties with traditional feeding methods due to their cleft conditions.

In contrast, other positions such as the cradle hold or sideline position may not provide the same level of elevation or support, making them less ideal for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate. The dancers hand hold, while beneficial in some situations, does not offer the necessary upright orientation that is critical for preventing reflux during feeding.