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New Baby? Time for a Staycation!

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September 3, 2025 Women
New Breastfeeding Parent Dear New Breastfeeding Parent,

The first few weeks with your baby are special – but they can also be challenging, too.

Your only job right now is to rest, feed your baby, and heal. Think of it like a “staycation” (a vacation at home). It’s time to get comfy, wear your pajamas, and focus on bonding with your baby.

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Here’s how to make life a little easier during this time:

food unsafe Making Life Easier in the Early Days

Here’s how to make life a little easier during this time:

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Skip the housework.

Ask for help from family or friends.

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Don’t stress about laundry.

Wear comfy clothes and reuse what you can. Consider buying a few extra pairs of socks and underwear if needed.

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Use paper plates.

You can go back to washing dishes later.

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Keep meals simple.

Say yes when people offer to bring food. Make meals in the morning when you have more energy. Grab easy foods like salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or ready-made meals.

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Eat what makes you feel good.

You don’t need special foods or cookies to make more milk—just eat healthy foods you enjoy. Perhaps a premade salad or sandwich, or a pitcher of smoothies stored in the fridge and ready to go.

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Limit visitors.

Let friends and family know you’re resting and will be ready for visits in a few weeks. If someone does visit, keep it short and ask them to wash their hands or wear a mask.

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Wait to write thank-you notes and make phone calls.

Post a message on your social media, on your front door, or update your voicemail message on your phone: “We are adjusting to the new baby as a family. We would love to see you in a month when we are more rested and settled.”

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Make time to sleep.

Nap whenever your baby naps. If possible, have a partner or loved one watch the baby while you get some deep rest. Some moms may sleep better if their baby is nearby. A fan or earplugs can help block out noises if needed.

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Create your cozy “nest.”

Keep everything you need close by—like diapers, wipes, snacks, a water bottle, breast pads, and your phone. Rest, relax, and feed your baby. This usually does wonders for your milk supply and will help your body heal after delivery.

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Your body is working hard.

These quiet days of rest and nursing are important for building your milk supply and healing after birth. You’re doing an amazing job, so go easy on yourself and make this time for you and your baby.

REFERENCES:

Adapted from Breastfeeding Telephone Triage and Advice 5th Edition© Maya Bunik MD MPH

Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

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