Caring For
Yourself After Loss

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Ladies
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Your Body, Your Mind

During this time, it is important to take care of yourself and keep your body healthy.

Emotional Health

Grief is overwhelming at times, but that is normal. You are not alone if you feel this way. Working through grief is a process; your feelings will change over time. If these feelings become too much, talk to your doctor.

A support group may help you in the healing process. Talking with other people who have lost a baby will help you through this time.

Nutrition

You may not feel hungry when you are grieving. However, good nutrition will help your body heal.
  • Eat regular, small meals.
  • Have healthy snacks.
  • Make foods that look and smell good.
  • Take a multivitamin.

WIC provides food with the nutrition your body needs to recover.

Protain high

Protein

Protein in eggs, peanut butter, and beans to repair tissues in your body.

Iron

Iron

Iron in beans, lentils, and cereal to keep your blood healthy and oxygen-rich.

Vitamins

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables to aid in healing.

Calcium

Calcium

Calcium in milk, cheese, and yogurt to keep your bones and teeth healthy and strong.

Sitting ladies

Lactation

You may have human milk come in, which can be a difficult reminder of your loss. You may find it healing to pump the milk, which could be donated or saved for other purposes, or you may feel more comfortable taking steps to dry up your milk. A lactation consultant or your doctor can help.

Resources

There are many resources available that can provide support for you.

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Your health care provider

See your doctor to make sure your body is healthy. They may be able to tell you about support groups you can attend through your clinic or hospital.

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WIC

You may be able to stay on WIC as a postpartum client after a loss to receive support, nutrition counseling, and food to keep your body well.

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Support groups

They may help you in the healing process. Ask WIC staff about local resources.

Get help by visiting these resources:

Franciscan Health

Free Pregnancy Loss Support

Community Health Network

Open Arms – Free Support Program

Star Legacy Foundation

Free Virtual Support Groups

Free Pregnancy Loss Support

Open Arms – Free Support Program

Free Virtual Support Groups

The Milk Bank
Postpartum Support International
Riley Children's Health

Get help by calling these resources:

National Telephone Grief Support Line
(952) 715-7731; ext 1
Support line staffed by professionals who have personal experience with pregnancy and infant loss.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1 (833) 943-5746
A hotline funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and powered by Postpartum Support International, available 24/7, 365 days a year, in English or Spanish and other languages by request.

Support line staffed by professionals who have personal experience with pregnancy and infant loss.

A hotline funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and powered by Postpartum Support International, available 24/7, 365 days a year, in English or Spanish and other languages by request.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

wic.in.gov

The ‘I’m a WIC Client’ button now directs to Nutrition and Breastfeeding, the content offered on the site has not changed.

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