MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

FEEDING CUES Your baby will make certain movements and signs when they’re ready to feed (“feeding cues”). Rooming-in and holding your newborn skin-to-skin helps you learn to recognize these signs and respond quickly.

Did You Know? Crying is a late feeding cue and may make it harder for your baby to latch. Soothe them before feeding by gently rocking or holding them skin-to-skin.

SCAN + PLAY

YOUR BABY’S “EARLY” FEEDING CUES MAY INCLUDE...

Smacking their lips, sucking tongue

Turning their head to look for a breast

Opening and closing their mouth

Moving a hand or fist to their mouth

Becoming more alert and active

PREPARING TO BREASTFEED Learning the 3 C’s of breastfeeding— calm, close, and comfortable —can help you get breastfeeding off to a good start. • Calm – Holding baby skin-to-skin calms both of you and helps your baby stay warm and interested in feeding. • Close – Instead of leaning over to offer your breast, bring your baby up to your breast, using pillows for extra support. • Comfortable – Sitting in a comfortable chair with your legs elevated on a stool helps relieve pressure on your bottom. GETTING INTO POSITION Proper positioning (how you hold your baby during a feeding) and latch (how your baby attaches to your breast) are vital components of successful breastfeeding. You’ll want to choose a breastfeeding “hold” or “style” that keeps your baby in optimal position to feed. Breastfeeding basics • You and your baby are chest-to-chest • Your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line • Your baby’s body is tucked close and curved inward • Your baby’s head is supported from the base of the neck

POPULAR POSITIONS

Cross-Cradle

Cradle

Clutch (football) hold

Side-Lying

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care