Wyoming WIC

Breastfeeding is Best for Baby and Mom

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August 4, 2021 Women

You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding is best for your baby but did you know it’s best for you too?! It’s true! Breastfeeding offers benefits for children and mothers that cannot be matched by any other form of feeding. The rewards of breastfeeding begin from the first moment after childbirth and last for many years after breastfeeding ends.

Best for BABY Because

  • Breast milk contains over 200 nutrients that protect a baby’s health. It changes from day to day to meet the needs of a growing baby making it the perfect food for your baby.
  • The body and eye contact that occur during breastfeeding promote bonding. Some say this builds a sense of security and leads the child to have a positive self-image as he grows older.
  • Breast milk is easy to digest, so breastfed babies have less gas, colic, food allergy, spitting up and a lower risk of asthma.
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Breastfed babies have less diarrhea and constipation. They also have fewer respiratory infections and ear infections and are less likely to develop diabetes.
  • Breastfed babies are healthier and are less likely to become obese as they get older.
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to develop gluten intolerance (celiac disease) and painful digestive diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
  • Breast milk is “brain food.” It provides the best possible nutrition for both physical and mental development of the brain and nervous system.

Best for MOM Because

  • Moms who breastfeed are reported to be more confident and less anxious than formula-feeding mothers.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
  • Breastfeeding mothers lose their pregnancy weight more easily than those who formula feed.
  • Breastfeeding creates a special relationship between mother and baby.
  • With breastfeeding, there is no mixing, measuring or bottles to wash.
  • Breast milk is always available and is just the right temperature.
  • Breastfeeding is cheap; it saves an average of $1,000 in infant feeding costs in the first year.
  • Breastfeeding protects the environment and saves energy. No gas, oil, coal or electricity is needed to make breast milk. The only by-products are healthy mothers and babies!

Rates of breastfeeding at six months have nearly doubled since 1997 and overall breastfeeding has become the “norm.”

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SIDE-LYING HOLD

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 HOLD

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
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

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 Hold

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