Breastfeeding
& Safe Sleep

Safe Sleep Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and safe sleep work together to keep your baby healthy and safe.

Breastfeeding

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  • Giving your baby a pacifier can reduce the risk of SIDS, but you should wait to use a pacifier until you and your baby are comfortable with breastfeeding.
  • Your milk gives nutrients to your baby and keeps them happy and healthy. It is great for your health too!
  • Breastfed babies are at lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • It is best to give only breastmilk for the first six months. Continuing to breastfeed for 2 years and beyond (with foods added at six months) extends the many great benefits.
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Safe Sleep

  • Always place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times – naps and night, until their first birthday.
  • Place your baby in a crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress and tight fitting sheet.
  • Do not use pillows, blankets, soft toys, or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area. Use a sleep sack instead of a blanket, if it is needed.
  • On average, two babies die every week in Indiana related to unsafe sleep. You can protect your baby by following the ABCs of Safe Sleep and breastfeeding safely.
  • To learn more about safe sleep for babies visit
    https://indiana.wicresources.org/safe-sleep/.
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Share the Room, Not the Bed

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Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby. Being near your baby can help you learn signs for when baby is hungry and helps support breastfeeding.
Room share – keep baby’s safe sleep space in your room for at least 6 months.

You can breastfeed your baby in your own bed. When finished feeding, put your baby back into his or her own separate sleep space within view and reach from where you sleep.

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Learn more about safe sleep for babies.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

wic.in.gov

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