A-Loving-Choice-Giving-Your-Baby-the-Healthiest-Start

A Loving Choice: Giving Your Baby the Healthiest Start

May 28, 2025 Women

Healthy Beginnings Matter

Being pregnant is a time filled with so many feelings – excitement, maybe a little worry, and a whole lot of love for the little one growing inside you. You want the very best for your baby, and that’s completely natural. Sometimes, though, things like alcohol, smoking, or drugs can get in the way of that.

Life isn’t always easy. Maybe you’re dealing with stress, or you’ve been using these things for a long time. It’s okay. You’re not alone, and support is available.

healthy-pragnent-women

Why it matters

Your baby is so small and delicate. When you drink alcohol, smoke, or use drugs, they go right to your baby. This can make it hard for them to grow strong and healthy. It can even lead to problems that last a lifetime. And that’s the last thing any mom wants.

alcohole-svg-icon
Alcohol

Drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy is not safe. It can cause birth defects, learning problems, and other health issues.

cigarete-svg-icon
Tobacco (Smoking)

Smoking, including vaping or e-cigarettes, can cause your baby to be born too early or too small. It can also cause breathing problems and other health issues.

drugs-svg-icon
Drugs

Street drugs and misusing prescription drugs are very dangerous for your baby. They can cause birth defects, learning disabilities, and even miscarriage (when a baby dies before birth) or stillbirth (when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy). Even some over-the-counter medicines can be harmful, so always check with your doctor.

You are strong, and you can do this.

Maybe you’ve tried to quit before, or maybe you’re just starting to think about it.
That’s a brave step. Every little choice you make for your baby’s health is a sign of your love.

imagine
Imagine:

Imagine holding your healthy baby in your arms, knowing you gave them the best possible start. That’s a powerful feeling.

ask-for-help
It’s okay to ask for help:

Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you care.

steps-metter
Small steps matter:

You don’t have to change everything at once. Even cutting back a little bit makes a difference.

Tips!

Here’s what can help:

  • Talk to your doctor: They’re there to support you, not judge you. They can give you safe advice and connect you with resources.
  • Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) for help to stop smoking. You can also sign up for free stop-smoking text messages. You deserve to breathe easier, and your baby deserves healthy lungs. There are people ready to help you every step of the way.
  • For help with drugs or alcohol, call 1-800-NCA-CALL (1-800-622-2255), or visit findtreatment.gov to find support that works best for you. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
  • Your local WIC clinic is also a safe place to ask for help. They understand and want to help you achieve your goals.

You’re making a loving choice.

Every day, you’re making choices for your baby.

Choosing to protect them from harmful substances is one of the most loving things you can do. You’re giving them the gift of a healthy start, and that’s something to be proud of. You’ve got this.

REFERENCES

National Cancer Institute. SmokefreeTXT. Retrieved March 21, 2025, from
https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/text-programs/quit-for-good/smokefreetxt
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. (2015). Give your baby a healthy start. Retrieved March 21, 2025, from
https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/Give_Your_Baby_a_Healthy_Start_English.pdf

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Find Treatment. Retrieved March 21, 2025 from
https://findtreatment.gov/

Author: Amanda Hojnacki

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
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
Breastfeeding Holds

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
Breastfeeding Holds

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