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Creating and Sticking to Routines
December 6, 2023ChildrenGeneral /Family

Creating and Sticking to Routines

Creating and sticking to routines By: Christina mcGeough, mph, rd, cdces Just like adults, many kids thrive with structure and routines. They may not be able to clearly express how…

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10 Tips for Eating Better on a Budget
November 29, 2023General /Family

10 Tips for Eating Better on a Budget

Making healthy choices doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are 10 tips to help you shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget. Use what you already…

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Protect Your Baby from Shaken Baby Syndrome
November 22, 2023General /FamilyInfant

Protect Your Baby from Shaken Baby Syndrome

10 years ago, 2-year-old Jackson was shaken for 30 seconds with uncontrolled rage by his stepfather. He was literally shaken to death before paramedics arrived and performed CPR to revive…

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Kids Need Calcium… and So Do You!
November 15, 2023ChildrenGeneral /Family

Kids Need Calcium… and So Do You!

Calcium is a mineral that helps build and maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. It also helps the heart, muscles, and nerves in the body function properly. If you drink…

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Help Your Child Develop Healthy Habits
November 8, 2023ChildrenGeneral /Family

Help Your Child Develop Healthy Habits

Setting an Example All parents want their children to grow up strong and develop healthy habits. Learning how to make healthy choices begins from the moment your baby is born…

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Homemade Apple Pear Sauce
November 1, 2023Recipes

Homemade Apple Pear Sauce

Did you know most of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in apples are actually in the peel? To get the most nutrition out of them, leave the peels on…

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Good Mood Food for Moms-to-Be
October 25, 2023Women

Good Mood Food for Moms-to-Be

Fatigue, hormonal changes, and stress during pregnancy can all impact your emotions and mood, but did you know your food choices can too? It’s true! The foods you eat are…

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Freezing Berries & Butternut Squash
October 18, 2023

Freezing Berries & Butternut Squash

  As the seasons change, so does the type of produce you find at the market. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying some of your favorite flavors!…

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Homemade Baby Food Basics
October 11, 2023General /FamilyRecipes

Homemade Baby Food Basics

Making your own baby food at home can be easy and save money. It also gives you the ability to know exactly what your baby is eating – healthy and…

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Crunchy Apple Chicken Salad
October 4, 2023General /FamilyRecipes

Crunchy Apple Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a family favorite and so are crisp, crunchy apples. Combine the two for this flavorful autumn-inspired recipe. Serve it with whole grain crackers, between whole-wheat bread, tucked…

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Brown Rice Veggie Bowls
September 27, 2023General /FamilyRecipes

Brown Rice Veggie Bowls

  Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice. It’s packed with fiber and helps keep your heart healthy. If your child is used to seeing white rice on…

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Books to Encourage Healthy Eating for Your Toddler
September 20, 2023

Books to Encourage Healthy Eating for Your Toddler

A visit to your local library can be a fun, healthy, and educational way to get your toddler excited about trying healthy foods. There are many children’s books that can…

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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