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6 Nutrients Toddlers Need
November 30, 2022Children

6 Nutrients Toddlers Need

Some toddlers aren’t getting enough of these 6 nutrients, is your child one of them?! Toddlers can be tough to feed. Some meals they want to keep eating and at…

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Chest/Breastfeeding in Public… Stay Calm and Nurse On
November 23, 2022Infant

Chest/Breastfeeding in Public… Stay Calm and Nurse On

Moms and babies both benefit from human milk. However, previous generations bottle-fed their babies, so many people have never seen someone chest/breastfeeding. Even your friends may have never seen a…

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3 Ways to Play and Grow with Baby
November 16, 2022Infant

3 Ways to Play and Grow with Baby

It may not always seem like it, but your baby is doing important work in the first weeks and months of their life. As they play and move, they learn…

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Feeling the Burn? Get Heartburn Help Now!
November 9, 2022Women

Feeling the Burn? Get Heartburn Help Now!

Destiny loved wearing clothes to show off her baby bump. Her pregnancy was going great, except for the frequent heartburn. What Destiny didn’t know was her skinny jeans and tight…

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How to Nurture Your Child’s Body Image
November 2, 2022Children

How to Nurture Your Child’s Body Image

Six-month-old Madilynn, my first grandbaby, had just arrived for a visit. I was telling her how happy I was to see her when my husband reached over, jiggled her little…

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How to Raise a Child Who Likes Healthy Food
October 26, 2022Children

How to Raise a Child Who Likes Healthy Food

Did you know your baby prefers certain flavors even before they are born? And the flavors they like during their first year may tell you what they will want to…

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Technology Tips for Smart Families
October 19, 2022General /Family

Technology Tips for Smart Families

Today, screens are everywhere, whether it’s a smartphone, TV, tablet, or video game console. Screens are inviting, fun, and even addictive, so it’s easy to spend too much time with…

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A Healthy Home for Your New Baby
October 12, 2022Infant

A Healthy Home for Your New Baby

Healthy takes on a whole new meaning when you have a newborn! Babies can get sick more easily because their immune systems are still developing. This is why it’s important…

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Ten Simple Budget Friendly Tips
October 5, 2022General /Family

Ten Simple Budget Friendly Tips

To keep up the healthy habit of eating fruits and vegetables every day you need a little planning and preparation, especially on a budget. Follow these tips to get the…

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Bye Bye Bottle!
September 28, 2022Infant

Bye Bye Bottle!

Sooner or later, the time will come to wean your baby. Whether your baby is chest-fed or bottle-fed, making the big change to your baby’s mealtime can be exciting and…

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I Did it and So Can You! A Breastfeeding Story
September 21, 2022Women

I Did it and So Can You! A Breastfeeding Story

“Yup there are two in there.” That’s what I heard during my ultrasound — the tech verified what was the most shocking news I’d ever received. This was right after…

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Keep Calm if the Crying Carries On
September 14, 2022Infant

Keep Calm if the Crying Carries On

The crying…the sleepless nights…the constant diaper changes…caring for a baby is a lot of work! Sadly, frustration and fatigue can push some caregivers to their limit, leading them to physically…

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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:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position