A New Beginning

How to Pick Up and Hold Baby

Wash your hands first. Always support your baby’s head and neck. Pick them up by sliding one of your hands under their upper back, head, and neck while placing your other hand under their bottom. Once you have a secure hold, pick them up and bring them close to you. Never pick up or hold your baby with just one hand. Always keep your hand behind their head and neck even when they’re sleeping. Place a blanket over baby’s back to keep warm.

SCAN + PLAY

SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT Skin-to-skin contact is holding your unwrapped baby directly on your chest. This contact has many benefits for both you and your baby. Place a blanket over baby’s back to keep warm. Because you can also get sleepy during skin-to-skin always have an alert adult nearby to watch. Make it a daily routine.

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact include: • Soothes and calms both you and your baby • Helps transition your baby to life outside the womb • Helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar

• Helps your baby gain weight • Comforts your baby during minor painful procedures like heel sticks • Helps prevent postpartum depression

• Enhances bonding and supports breastfeeding and reduces stress

PROPER POSITIONS FOR SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT TO KEEP BABY SAFE

Mom’s Position

Baby’s Position

High up on your chest so you can kiss the top of your baby’s head

Semi-reclined or upright — not flat

One hand supports baby’s upper back and neck

On their abdomen in the middle of your chest

Place a blanket over the top of baby’s back

Head is turned to one side

You can kiss the top of baby’s head

Mouth and nose are clearly seen

You can see baby’s mouth and nose

Chin and neck are straight in a neutral position

You are awake and alert to prevent from baby falling Have a support person near by in case you become drowsy

Baby is not slouched

Arms and legs are flexed in tight to their side

Call your nurse immediately:

• If baby turns blue or pale • If baby does not respond when you touch and try to wake them • If baby stops breathing

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A New Beginning