Coach Smith here, blowing the whistle use of the term "football hold" when describing one position for breastfeeding babies:

1. The so-called "football hold" used for breastfeeding a baby is NOT how real American-shaped footballs are held. That is, by any player who really wants to hang on to the ball. If a football were held the way we hold babies, the player's elbow is too far out and back, making a great target for an opposing tackler who could easily dislodge the ball and cause a fumble. Real footballs are held up against the abdomen, elbow in close. The equivalent of the "head" end of the football is much closer to the belly-button than the breast.

2. Women rarely work with "footballs." Breastfeeding a baby is a gender-specific activity, so let's use a term that does not reek with testosterone, shall we?

3. More accurate descriptions would be "underarm" hold, or "same arm-same breast" hold, or "same-side" position, or "baby to the side" or just show a picture or drawing. These descriptions do not have value judgments or try to mimic what is done holding another object.

4. Getting the baby's head in exactly the right position for "underarm" or "vertical, same-breast" breastfeeding is a bit trickier than holding a rigid ball, and takes more arm and hand dexterity than holding a football. The player's strength is used to hold the ball as tight to the body as possible while running very fast for a few seconds. The mother's arm and hand must align and support the baby's head, maintain the baby's upper body alignment, and adjust the depth of the latch onto the breast, taking into account the size, weight, and alignment of the breast and nipple-areola complex. It is an entirely different movement mechanically. And is usually performed in the seated position for 10-30 minutes, several times a day.
Don't attempt to translate "football hold" for breastfeeding. Use a different term, please.
Linda J. Smith, jock-turned LC, private practice in Dayton, OH