Vaccinations A Shot for a Healthy Future

July 13, 2022 General /Family

Vaccines save lives. As a parent, getting your child vaccinated is one of the best steps you can take to help protect their future.

Vaccination Questions & Answers

Are vaccines really safe?

With so much information at our fingertips, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. Parents just want what’s best for their children, so when they hear mixed messages about vaccine safety, it can be so confusing!

The truth is, vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect ourselves and our children from dangerous diseases.

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccines protect our future. Diseases like polio are rare today because of the steps our parents and grandparents took to get vaccinated.

A child who is vaccinated not only protects themselves from diseases, but also the people around them. It may be hard to imagine right now, but by vaccinating your child, you’re also helping to protect your future grandchildren, and their future children too. By making the decision to vaccinate, you’ll be making a difference for generations to come.


Think of vaccines as antivirus protection software, and diseases like a virus (or a link that messes up your electronic devices when you click on it). All it takes is one click of a link, or one case of a rare disease, to quickly get out of control.

It’s a lot easier to prevent an infection than try to fix it or stop it from spreading.

Who needs what?

Vaccines aren’t just for kids, we all need them! Routine childhood vaccines protect against 14 different diseases. As we get older, some of the vaccines we received during childhood can wear off, so a booster shot may be needed to stay protected.

It’s always best to talk with your healthcare provider about the vaccines you and your family need. They can answer any questions you have about vaccines and when to receive them.

Visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for a complete guide to recommended vaccines for you and your family, or view the recommended schedule here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html.

Vaccinating on time means a healthier future for you and your family.

Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when: