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Newborn being held by nurse, mother smiling nearby

Baby-Friendly: At the Hospital and Beyond

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  • Baby-Friendly: At the Hospital and Beyond
January 4, 2023 Women
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was created to promote better chest/breastfeeding practices and mom-baby bonding while in the hospital. As more and more hospitals attain the “Baby-Friendly” designation, your chances of delivering in a “Baby-Friendly” hospital are more likely.

How do baby-friendly hospitals help moms?

Mother cradling sleeping newborn wrapped in blanket
  • Baby-friendly hospitals help moms by:
  • Encouraging and assisting moms to start chest/breastfeeding within an hour of baby’s birth.
  • Supporting “rooming in” which means baby stays in the same room as mom while in the hospital.
  • Not giving food or formula to baby unless mom requests it.
  • Training staff to help mom and baby establish a chest/breastfeeding relationship.

GIVING BIRTH AT A BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL: MY STORY

  • I delivered my son in a baby-friendly hospital in New York. The nursing staff gave me a lot of help and support during my short two-day stay. Every nurse that came into my room asked how breastfeeding was going. They also watched me breastfeed and helped me fix some latch problems I was having.
Mother happily holding newborn baby in hospital bed
Nurse with new parents and newborn in hospital
  • What I remember most is how tired I was the first night. I was afraid to sleep for fear I would not hear or see my baby’s signs of hunger. The nurse could see how exhausted I was. She said if I wanted to rest she would take my baby to the nursery and wake me when it was time to feed. Not only was she supporting my decision to room in and breastfeed, but she also helped me see how important it was to rest.
  • When my son was 4 months old, I went back to work. I continued breastfeeding and pumped several times a day. My son is now 14 months old and is still breastfeeding as part of our daily bonding routine. I truly feel my breastfeeding success was due to the support given to me at the baby-friendly hospital.
Mother breastfeeding baby in a bright bedroom

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    Cartoon vegetables with leafy tops gather playfully together.

    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
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    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
    Cat playing with butterfly in a garden.

    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
    Peach circle with abstract shapes radiating outward.

    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
    Smiling peach character waving cheerful hello.

    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