Prenatal education to help prepare you to welcome your new baby. https://www.readysetbabyonline.com/
Ready, Set, Baby A guide to welcoming your new family member
What’s inside this guide
Staying healthy during pregnancy and beyond 03 Healthy eating / Food safety / Exercise and weight gain
11 Benefits of breastfeeding / Continued breastfeeding 12 Position and latch 13 Helpful tips 14 Making and keeping up your milk supply / Move it or lose it 15 Signs your baby is getting enough milk / When to call your baby's provider Let's review: Why do these practices? 16 Staying healthy during pregnancy / Skin- to-skin, Rooming-in, Feed on cue, Breastfeed, Give only breastmilk, Get a good latch Back home with your new baby 17 The first few weeks / Mental health in pregnancy and postpartum 18 Preparing for other caregivers 19 Just for partners and loved ones
What have you heard about infant feeding? 04 Find out the facts!
Preparing for your birthing facility stay 06 Your labor and delivery 07 Skin-to-skin contact 08 Rooming-in / Baby's first bath 09 Feeding on cue / Hunger cues / Fullness cues / Newborn tummies are very small Breastfeeding information and tips 10 Early and exclusive breastfeeding: your milk and nothing else
20 Common concerns 22 Resources for support
continued ...
This educational resource is intended for all pregnant individuals and their family members who will be caring for them and their newborns. It is designed to offer prenatal breastfeeding education for the people living in the United States of America. In this resource, we use the language and terminology that is consistent with the WHO and UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. However, we understand that this language may not reflect the diversity of gender identity, family structure, and cultures of all people who may use this resource. We encourage facilitators of Ready, Set, Baby to adapt it with inclusive language and terminology that reflects the lived experience of individuals who take part in Ready, Set, Baby education.
2 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Staying healthy during pregnancy and beyond
Healthy eating Eat balanced meals with a variety of foods when you are pregnant or nursing/pumping. • Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables • Choose high-fiber whole grains, like oatmeal, whole wheat bread products, or brown rice • Choose heart-healthy dairy products, like low-fat milk, yogurt, or mozzarella cheese • Choose lean protein sources, like low-mercury seafood, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds • Stay hydrated by drinking water and other unsweetened beverages • If you are on a special meal plan, continue to follow the recommendations of your provider • If you have concerns about what you eat, ask your provider to see a registered dietitian nutritionist Food safety • Wash your hands and cooking surfaces with water and soap before preparing any foods
• Tell your provider if you have cravings for non-food items like starch, clay, dirt, cardboard, or ice • Limit your intake of large fish to stay away from ingesting mercury – Do not eat tile fish, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel; limit albacore (solid white) tuna – Choose instead 8-12 oz/week of salmon, trout, sardines, anchovies, or herring
Take a daily prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid in addition to eating healthy.
Exercise and weight gain • If your provider says it’s okay to exercise, aim for at least 30 min/day (moderate intensity) • Do not do sports or activities with high risk of falling or collision with others • Ask your provider how much weight you should gain during pregnancy
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or processing
• Do not eat cold deli meats and unpasteurized soft cheeses as they may harbor listeria, a bacteria that is dangerous to pregnant women • Do not eat raw or undercooked foods (meats, eggs, fish)
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 3
Each of us have unique opinions about infant feeding formed from our own experiences and those of others we know. As part of your healthcare team, we want you to know the facts to help you make choices that are best for your family. Together, we can help you meet your own personal infant feeding goals. What have you heard about infant feeding?
Find out the facts! Most infants get human milk. At least 84% of all infants in the
Breast sizes and nipple shapes don’t matter. Small breasts can produce a full milk supply, and babies can breastfeed fine on large breasts. Babies can latch onto many types of breast nipples. If you have an uncommon breast shape, widely spaced breasts, history of breast surgery, or are concerned about your breast tissue or nipples, contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for an evaluation.
Nursing is not always easy at first. Breastfeeding is a new skill, and it takes practice and support. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you both learn how to make it work. Get support from friends, family, and your healthcare team. Remember to take it day by day. It gets MUCH easier after the first days and weeks!
Your milk has hundreds of nutrients that scientists are only beginning to discover. Breastmilk is a living, constantly changing food that provides everything your baby needs to grow and be healthy. The living parts of your milk are unique to you. Some people cannot breastfeed for medical reasons or have difficulty with milk supply. While most families can breastfeed successfully, there are certain medical situations in which breastfeeding is not recommended. Also, some breastfeeding babies may need extra milk for medical reasons if they cannot
United States start out getting human milk. Breastfeeding is the norm in the United States.
Breastfeeding should not be painful. There may be
discomfort at first, but it should be minimal and should go away in the first week or so. Pain that is very bad should be assessed by your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.
Newborns MUST feed at night. Newborns do not
know the difference between night and day. They are growing rapidly and need easily-digested milk very often—even throughout the night.
4 A guide to welcoming your new family member
You CAN breastfeed in
get enough from your milk supply. Together, you and your medical team can form the best infant feeding plan for your family.
public, and you CAN go back to work or school while continuing to provide your milk to your baby. Rest assured; you have the legal right to breastfeed in public in most of the United States. Many mothers successfully use pumps or their hands to express their milk for others to feed when they are away from their infants. Talk to your supervisor about your plans ahead of time and get support from available resources.
Bottles work differently than breasts. Infants use their
tongue, jaw, and face muscles to get milk from your body. This helps their mouth and face grow and develop. Bottle nipples have a different shape and may have a faster flow. Babies are more likely to gag or overfeed when using a bottle. If you need to use a bottle, please learn about safe bottle feeding from a healthcare provider first.
You CAN breastfeed, even if you smoke, vape, or take medicines. Many medicines are safe to use during lactation, but not all. Your healthcare provider can help determine if your medicines or habits are safe. Secondhand smoke and vape smoke can increase your baby’s risks
for many health problems, and chemicals in cigarettes and vapes do pass through human milk. If you are going to smoke or vape, it is still better to breastfeed than not to breastfeed. Ready to quit? Call 1-800-Quit-Now Talk to your healthcare provider for help.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 5
Preparing for your birthing facility stay
Your labor and delivery Pain relief
Did you know? A doula is someone who offers continuous support during
Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for pain relief during labor. Knowing the benefits and concerns for each option ahead of time will help you make well-informed decisions during your labor and delivery.
There are many ways to help cope with the pain of labor that do not involve medicines. To lower the discomforts of early labor, try: • Deep breathing, focusing on pleasant things • Movement and walking • Massage and relaxation • Heating pads or cold compresses • Continuous support from someone you trust
Many find it easier to cope with early labor at home. Follow the guidance
labor, delivery, and after delivery. Many communities have doula services at free or lower costs. Ask about local resources or see page 22.
of your provider about when to come into the birthing facility.
6 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Skin-to-skin contact Keep your baby warm and secure Your baby should be placed skin-to-skin with you right at the time of birth. Some birthing facilities practice skin-to-skin after C-sections in the operating room.
Benefits of skin-to-skin Keeps your baby warm Easier to bond and breastfeed Helps calm your baby Easier adjustment to life outside the womb for your baby Keeps your baby’s blood sugar levels high Helps steady baby’s breathing
The cream (vernix) on newborns’ skin is good for them - it protects their skin from infection and helps keep them warm. It is completely normal to place the baby skin- to-skin with the cream visible. Most babies are ready to breastfeed within the first hour. Continue to hold your baby skin-to-skin often during the first weeks. It’s great for partners to be skin-to-skin, too. Make sure you can always see your baby’s face to look for good color and normal breathing.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 7
Rooming-in It’s good for you and your baby to stay in the same room, day and night, for your entire birthing facility stay, unless you must separate due to a medical reason. Think about a trusted adult who can stay with you in your room at all times to help support you. You may feel fatigued and drowsy during your postpartum healing due to the effort of birth or from the pain medicines. Breastfeeding can also make you sleepy due to the hormones released when feeding your baby. When you feel drowsy or sleepy, ask the staff or your support person to help you care for your infant while you rest. Baby’s first bath The bath can be done right in your room. It is good to delay it until your baby is used to their new life outside the womb.
Benefits of rooming-in
Did you know? Your baby takes
Easier to learn your baby’s feeding cues Easier to feed any time your baby is hungry Easier to bond and get to know each other Helps you learn to care for your baby Encourages milk production More rest and sleep for you Less crying for your baby
comfort when you are close by. Your smell and voice are calming to your baby.
8 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Feeding “on cue” Follow your new baby’s lead
Responding to your baby’s cues helps them feel safe and cared for, as well as satisfied and content. Babies know what they need. Listening to them helps prevent under- or overfeeding.
“I’m hungry!” Example of a baby bringing their hand to their mouth.
Watch your baby, not the clock!
Hunger cues Signs that your baby is ready to eat • Fluttering eyes / waking from sleep • Nuzzling into the breast • Rooting (opens mouth and turns head) • Bringing hand to mouth • Sucking on tongue or hand • Tight fists held at center of chest • Crying - If you wait until your baby cries to feed, they may be too upset to eat. If this is the case, calm your baby first by gently rocking them side to side, or try skin-to-skin contact.
Fullness cues Signs that your baby is full
• Eating slows down • Turns face away • Relaxed arms, falling
Pacifiers Pacifiers can hide cues that your newborn baby is ready to eat. Try not to use pacifiers until breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby.
away from body • Stops sucking • Falls asleep
Newborn tummies are very small In the beginning, there may be times when your baby eats a little bit nearly all the time. This is normal, especially on day 2 of life and during growth spurts. The continuous feeding helps bring in a good milk supply for you. Newborns need to eat at least 8 times in 24 hours.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 9
Breastfeeding information and tips
Early and exclusive breastfeeding: your milk and nothing else Early breastfeeding starting within an hour of your baby’s birth: • Helps contract the uterus and slow bleeding (important for your recovery) • Offers nutrition for your baby and antibodies to fight infections Exclusive breastfeeding means your baby gets all their food and drink from breastfeeding. It is recommended that your baby gets only your milk for the first 6
months. Talk with your healthcare team about your individual needs and goals. No other liquids or solids until 6 months: • Builds a healthy milk supply and keeps it up • Protects your baby from sickness and disease
Did you know? Babies do not need water when it is hot outside. Human milk gives all the hydration your baby needs.
Your milk has everything your baby needs to grow strong and healthy. And it changes according to what your baby needs!
10 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Benefits of breastfeeding
For you • Convenient—always warm and ready • Smart—nothing to buy or prepare • Protection—lactation is linked with a lower risk of disease for breast and ovarian cancers, and type 2 diabetes • Helps your body heal after delivery by contracting the uterus and slowing bleeding • Increases time before next pregnancy
For your baby • Early milk (colostrum) is the perfect first food • Offers antibodies to help fight off diseases • Easy to digest = less cramping and gas
Did you know? Babies who are breastfed have a lower chance of death from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Liquid gold Breastmilk is even more important for premature, sick or low-birthweight babies. It boosts immunity and is the best medicine for gut health and protection from infections. Ask the staff for help with expressing your milk so your baby gets your milk even if they can't directly breastfeed right away. See page 13 for more.
These health problems are less common in babies who are breastfed • Ear infections • Diarrhea • Pneumonia • Diabetes • Sudden infant death syndrome • Stomach infections • Overweight and obesity • Childhood cancers • Heart disease
Continued breastfeeding Begin offering other foods to your baby after a full breastfeed when your baby is 6 months old. All leading health organizations across the globe recommend continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond, as long as you and your baby wish. Continued breastfeeding is helpful for your baby’s growth and development, and for protection from diseases for both of you.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 11
Position and latch Finding your fit Practice makes perfect!
Find the positions that work for you. A good latch helps prevent nipple pain and helps your baby remove milk. Be sure you’re comfortable.
Getting started: Leaning Back Laying belly-to-belly with your baby is the most natural thing to do right after birth. When your baby shows signs of trying to find the breast, support this search. They will nuzzle up and attach to the breast.
Breastfeeding while leaning back comfortably goes along with your baby’s natural instincts.
Leaning Back
Other positions
Cross-Cradle Hold
Football Hold
Cradle Hold* (commonly used after the first few weeks)
Side-Lying
12 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Helpful tips
Tips for latching your baby in any position • Support baby’s neck • Allow baby's head to move around as needed
• Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hips should be in a straight line • When your baby opens wide, help them onto your nipple • Lean back and relax if you are hunched over • Baby’s chin should hit breast first • Make sure the nipple is deep in your baby’s mouth • Baby’s nose may touch the breast during a deep latch Tips for getting off to a great start • Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth • Nurse often—as often as you see signs of hunger (this should be at least 8 times in 24 hours) • Try not to give pacifiers or bottles until breastfeeding is going well • Ask for support from your nurse or a lactation consultant • Watch your baby—not the clock—to know when to feed • Massaging and gently compressing all over the breast while feeding helps the milk to flow and keeps the baby feeding
Learn hand expression - ask for help • Hand expression is a technique to express milk from your breasts to feed to your baby or store for later • The amount will be just drops in the beginning and increase as you have more milk supply • You can also express a drop onto your nipple for your baby to smell and taste before feeding • Hand expression can increase your milk supply and encourage your mature milk to come in faster
Online hand expression resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/ExpressionVideo http://bit.ly/ExpressionVideo2
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 13
Making and keeping up your milk supply
Did you know? Introducing commercial milk formula can decrease your milk supply because you are skipping a nursing session each time you use these products.
Your first milk (colostrum) is thick and golden. Early milk comes in very small amounts—yet is full of nutrients and proteins that boost your baby’s immune system.
Your milk will change over the first 3–5 days into larger amounts of mature milk, which has more water to satisfy your baby’s thirst.
When the amount of milk increases, it is often called your milk “coming in.” This is misleading because you do have milk for your baby before that, it is just smaller amounts of colostrum.
Move it or lose it
• You must remove milk from your body very often to make a full supply of milk • If milk is not removed from your body, your brain doesn't get the message to make more milk • You can use gentle massage with hand expression and/or pumping to remove milk (and keep making milk) if you are separated from your baby
Tonya’s Story At first, Tonya didn’t want to breastfeed because she had heard it could hurt. But with all the health benefits for her baby and herself, she decided to try. After her baby was born, she did try, and just as she expected, it did hurt her nipples a bit. Her lactation consultant and peer counselor helped to find the source of the pain and make changes to lower the discomfort. This helped, but then a few days postpartum she felt pain in both breasts. Again, she got help from a skilled support person and was able to stick with it. In a couple of weeks all the discomforts were gone and never came back. Tonya is still breastfeeding at a year out and is very happy she continued – the discomfort in the beginning was worth it!
14 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
• Your baby is deeply attached, and you are comfortable while feeding • Your baby breastfeeds with steady sucking and swallowing • Your breasts soften during a feeding • Your baby is content after a feeding • Your baby’s pees and poops are consistent with the information given to you at the birthing facility • Your baby’s stools change from greenish-black to pale yellow, soft, and seedy looking over the first week (when you are feeding only human milk) • Your baby’s weight is normal and healthy when they are weighed by a health professional
It is common for babies to lose weight in the first week of life. They should regain their birth weight by 10–14 days of life.
When to call your baby's provider
• Your baby eats less than 8 times in 24 hours • Your baby is too sleepy to wake for feeds • Feeding your baby is painful • Your baby never seems satisfied • Feedings last longer than one hour • Your chest area is hard, tight, and painful (engorged) • Your baby has problems latching or staying attached
• Your baby has not regained their birth weight by 2 weeks of age • You are not confident your baby is feeding well
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 15
Let’s review: Why do these practices?
Stay healthy during pregnancy
• Helps baby grow and develop • Protects baby from birth defects • Helps you feel good Skin-to-skin • Keeps your baby warm and secure • Helps to keep baby's blood sugar up and breathing steady • Easier to bond and breastfeed • Helps to calm your baby Room-in 24/7 at the birthing facility • Easier to learn your baby’s feeding cues • Easier to bond and get to know each other • Helps you to learn to care for your baby • Encourages milk production
Feed on cue • Helps bring in a good milk supply • Prevents under- or overfeeding • Helps baby feel safe and cared for • Helps baby feel content and satisfied Breastfeed • Provides antibodies to fight infections • Provides the perfect nutrition • Protects mothers from diseases • Helps to slow postpartum bleeding
• Easy for baby to digest
Give only breastmilk • Keeps your milk supply up • Protects baby from sickness and disease
Get a good latch • Prevents nipple pain or damage • Helps baby get more milk • Improves milk supply
16 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Back home with your new baby
The first few weeks Changes for the whole family Plan to nest in with your family after getting home. Be sure you get plenty of fluids, foods, and rest. Build your village Set up a network of support before your baby is born that can help you when you get home (ask family, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and faith community). Ask someone you know to organize frequent delivery of meals for your family. Tell family that you will need to rest as much as you can and that you will need help with household chores, such as laundry and cleaning.
Allow yourself to take care of you and your baby. Put other tasks aside if you can. Limit visitors and phone calls.
Sad or worried? You are not alone. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too much anxiety or anger, intrusive thoughts, inability to sleep, poor appetite, or intentions of harm. Seek help early, don’t wait! Call or text the National Maternal Health Hotline 24/7 at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support in multiple languages.
Think about setting up play dates or care for your other children. Arrange rides for your appointments or other errands ahead of time. Find out where and when postpartum support groups meet in your area. Responding to your new baby’s needs can be challenging. Be patient with yourself.
Mental health in pregnancy and postpartum Many women may feel mild changes in their mood after giving birth. About 15-20% of women experience depression or anxiety with warning signs that generally last more than 2 weeks while pregnant or up to a year postpartum. If you are suffering, know that you are not alone, and you are not to blame. With help, you will get better. Talk to your healthcare provider. You may also need to seek extra support with meeting your infant’s care needs and your own health needs. Postpartum Support International has helpful information, online groups and a call or text helpline (see page 22).
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 17
Preparing for other caregivers Going back to work or school
Talk to your supervisor about your postpartum plans Learn about and take advantage of all available leave. Tell your boss or advisor you will continue breastfeeding after coming back to work or school. Remind them that a breastfed baby is less likely to get sick, so you will not miss as many days. Find out if you can bring your baby to work or school, or if there is child care at your location.
Arrange use of a pump Inquire with your health insurance provider about your eligibility for a personal electric breast pump. Your birthing facility, employer, or local WIC office may have pumps for rent. Manual pumps are also available. Choosing child care Look for a child care center close by so that you may visit your baby during the day to feed them. Find a care provider who supports breastfeeding and is familiar with storing and feeding human milk. Practice expressing, storing, and feeding your milk Begin expressing and bottle feeding your milk after breastfeeding is going well. Start practicing a few weeks before you plan to return to work or school. If using a pump, make sure it fits well—it should not cause pain. The plastic attachments come in several sizes. Collect your milk, date it, and store it in the back of the freezer in small amounts (about 2 oz. per container). Practice having another caregiver feed your milk at a slow pace so that your baby can show signs of fullness.
A little planning goes a long way!
Find a lactation room to use Your supervisor can help to
find a space if there isn’t one. It should have a comfortable chair, an electrical outlet, and a private door ( not a bathroom). Nearly all employers must provide lactation break times and a space for you to pump.
Open the QR code to learn about employer support.
18 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Just for partners and loved ones Breastfeeding is a team effort - how can partners help?
Learn about lactation Attend a lactation class with your partner. Find a support group for families in your area. Offer support Support your loved one's feeding goals and help them get support if they are having trouble. Ask how they're doing. Keep an eye out for significant mood changes or unusual behavior (see page 17). Give comfort Make sure your partner is comfortable while breastfeeding and has had plenty to eat and drink. Offer a tray of snacks and water within reach. Bond with the baby by using eye contact, giving baths, practicing skin- to-skin contact, wearing the baby in a baby carrier, reading books to the baby, or learning techniques to gently massage the baby.
Lower the risk of sleep-related infant death
• Talk with your provider about your family’s unique risks and how to lower the risk of sleep-related infant death. • Breastfeeding is recommended to lower the risk of sudden death. • If you are laying down to breastfeed, do • Babies should be placed to sleep on their backs in the same room as their caregivers for the first year of life. • Do not smoke, vape, or use alcohol or drugs. Stay away from medicines that make you drowsy. so on a flat surface— not a couch or an armchair—and remove all blankets and pillows .
See the resources on page 22 for help.
Kevin’s Story A first-time parent, Kevin was excited to take care of his newborn baby. He thought giving his baby a bottle would give his partner a rest from breastfeeding and help his baby get to know him. While he wanted to support his partner, he learned that giving newborns formula interrupts the natural process of lactation and could lower overall milk supply. Kevin is now committed to supporting his partner while they are breastfeeding. And, he is having a great time exploring the many different things he can do to bond with his newborn. His favorite so far is holding his baby skin-to-skin.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 19
Common concerns Anytime you have concerns
about your baby’s health or well-being, get in touch with your healthcare provider.
I am not sure I have enough milk A common reason for low-milk supply is not feeding often enough. In the early days and weeks, your baby may need to eat every 1-2 hours, or more. Twelve feedings in 24 hours is completely normal. Feeding your baby “on cue” early on helps to bring in a full milk supply and keep it up. Another reason for low milk supply is that the baby is not attached well and is not removing all the milk they could be getting. If you think your baby might not be getting enough milk, please seek help from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.
I think my baby is still hungry after breastfeeding
All babies will have periods of fussiness and crying throughout the day and night. There may be a specific time of day when you notice your baby’s fussiness increasing. This is normal and may not be due to hunger. Immature digestion can cause some discomfort to many new babies. If your baby is upset right after a full feeding or is not gaining weight, please contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant to figure out if your baby is getting enough milk during a feed. Weight gain, regular urination, and stooling are good signs that baby is getting enough.
My baby is having trouble with nursing Breastfeeding is a learned art that takes a lot of practice and support. Usually, it gets much easier and more enjoyable once you both get the hang of it and each other. Getting support from a friend who breastfeeds, a mother's support group, a peer counselor, or a lactation consultant can help you continue to meet your breastfeeding goals. It is painful to breastfeed Discomfort during breastfeeding should be minimal. Painful breastfeeding is not normal. Many times, painful breastfeeding is relieved by improving the baby’s latch. If your nipples are very sore, cracked, or bleeding, contact a lactation consultant for a feeding assessment. In the meantime, go over pages 12-13, and try to make sure your baby is latched-on well. Continue to express your milk.
20 A guide to welcoming your new family member
I think giving formula might solve my problem If you are struggling with this decision, please contact a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider to reassess your feeding goals. It is important that your baby stays well nourished
and that your decisions are well informed. Also, it is important that you share your feeding plans with your healthcare team so they may provide individual education specifically to meet your needs. Feeding any amount of commercial milk formula may decrease your milk supply. Despite what you may hear or read, formula products are not a solution for fussiness, gas, or spit-up. These are normal infant behaviors that are common to all babies. Be aware that commercial milk formula products can be harder for some babies to digest, which could increase your baby’s discomfort. My chest area is swollen, hard, heavy, and tender If you feel like this, then you may be engorged. As milk changes from colostrum to mature milk in the days after delivery, the chest area may swell. It can be difficult for the milk to be removed due to the swelling. Hand expression, reverse pressure softening and/or ice packs on the area help to lower the discomfort and swelling. Feeding your baby very often keeps the milk flowing during this time, and you will feel more comfortable in 24-48 hours. If you feel feverish or have a hot red spot on your breast or surrounding area, or if your baby is not able to latch and remove milk, contact your healthcare provider right away. My baby cries a lot For babies, crying is a natural and normal way of self-expression. It can mean that something is making your baby uncomfortable or unhappy, such as too much activity or handling, a dirty diaper, or even tummy pains. It can also mean that your baby just needs to be close to you. Babies who are hungry do cry, but it is a late sign of hunger (see page 9). It is normal to see an increase in periods of infant crying until about 2 months of age, and then those periods will begin to lessen. If you are having a hard time coping with your baby’s crying, seek help from your partner, family, friends, or healthcare provider. Never shake a baby. Try skin-to-skin contact and gentle noises. You can also soothe your baby by expressing some milk onto your clean finger and allowing your baby to suckle the finger. My baby wakes up a lot at night Night waking is normal and healthy for newborns. Babies don’t know night from day yet. When your baby wakes up at night, they may be uncomfortable, hungry, or in need of help getting back to sleep. Hold your baby close as you determine what your baby needs. Always follow safe-sleep recommendations and do not fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or chair. See the purple box on page 19 and the resources on page 23.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 21
Resources for support Nationwide help at your fingertips
Domestic Violence National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org 800-799-SAFE for 24/7 confidential help Depression and Mood Disorders National Maternal Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA (852-6262) Text or call 24/7, multiple languages Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net | 800.944.4773 Questions about Pregnancy & Birth Lamaze International | www.lamaze.org Doula Support for Labor & Delivery American Pregnancy Association https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy- pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/ Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs US Dept. of Health and Human Services http://women.smokefree.gov Medication Use Centers for Disease Control and Prevention During Pregnancy | www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/ treatingfortwo/index.html While Breastfeeding | www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding- special-circumstances/index.html LactMed Drugs & Lactation Database www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ Adoptive Parenting Adoptive Families www.adoptivefamilies.com
Teen Parenting American Pregnancy Association https://americanpregnancy.org/options-for- unplanned-pregnancy/pregnant-teen/ Preterm Labor and Premature Birth American College of OBGYNs (ACOG) https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ preterm-labor-and-birth LGBTQ Parenting Human Rights Campaign
www.hrc.org/resources/parenting Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program www.fns.usda.gov/WIC Infant Feeding Guidelines World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int/health-topics/ breastfeeding
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/
Postpartum Support 4th Trimester Project https://newmomhealth.com/
22 A guide to welcoming your new family member
Resources for support Nationwide help at your fingertips
Breastfeeding Questions Office on Women’s Health www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
Phone Helpline: 800-994-9662 M-F 9am–6pm (eastern time) La Leche League (LLLI)
www.llli.org (click on Resources tab) Finding a Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group Baby Cafe | www.babycafeusa.org Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association | http:// blackmothersbreastfeeding.org/ Breastfeeding USA | http://breastfeedingusa.org La Leche League (LLLI) www.llli.org (enter your address into the map) Mocha Moms | www.mochamoms.org Finding a Lactation Consultant International Lactation Consultant Association www.ilca.org (click on Find a Lactation Consultant on the bottom menu bar) African American Breastfeeding Support Office on Women’s Health–It’s Only Natural | https://www.womenshealth.gov/its-only-natural Donor Human Milk Information Human Milk Banking Association of America (HMBANA) | www.hmbana.org National and State Breastfeeding Laws National Conference of State Legislatures www.ncsl.org/research/health/breastfeeding- state-laws.aspx United States Breastfeeding Committee www.usbreastfeeding.org
Nutrition Guidelines MyPlate’s Pregnancy and Breastfeeding www.myplate.gov/life-stages/pregnancy-and- breastfeeding Milk Storage Guidelines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/ handling_breastmilk.htm
Infant Sleep National Institutes of Health
www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/Pages/default.aspx https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/ files/2018-11/Breastfeed_Baby_SIDS_final.pdf Infant Crying ZERO to THREE www.zerotothree.org/resources/197- colic-and-crying The Period of Purple Crying http://purplecrying.info
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 23
Photo Credits
Cover
With thanks to Annie Oumarou
Page 3
Shutterstock.com | wavebreakmedia
Page 5
Shutterstock.com | VGstockstudio
Page 6
Istock.com | RyanJLane
Page 7
With thanks to Annemie Tonken; Shutterstock.com | In The Light Photography; Shutterstock.com | Flashon Studio
Page 8
Flickr.com/photos/40275187@N04/6217327186/ | Cassie Ehard; Istock.com | SergioZacchi
Page 9 Istock.com | mrossbach Page 10 With thanks to the Texas Department of State Health Services Page 11 Shutterstock.com | Lifebrary Page 12 With thanks to the Women’s Birth and Wellness Center of NC, La Leche League International, and Region of Peel Health Services of Ontario Page 14 Shutterstock.com | Todsaporn Wattanasupinyo Page 15 With thanks to the United States Breastfeeding Committee; Shutterstock.com | Monkey Business Images Page 16 With thanks to Hannah Edens Page 17 Shutterstock.com | Monkey Business Images; With thanks to United States Breastfeeding Committee Page 18 Shutterstock.com | George Rudy
Page 19 Istock.com | Asada Nami Page 20 With thanks to Wake AHEC
Page 21 Shutterstock.com | paulaphoto Page 22 Shutterstock.com | A3pfamily Page 23 Shutterstock.com | Monkey Business Images
These materials were developed by the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute with collaboration from students in the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative and lactation consultants at N.C. Women’s Hospital. We would like to thank the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for their generous support of this and other projects that foster a breastfeeding-supportive society. For more information, please visit: http://breastfeeding.unc.edu. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Version 3. English April 2018 | Minor updates February 2021, April 2022, August 2024 Design: nancyframedesign.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker