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Breastfeeding or formula-feeding?

  • Home
  • Ellyn Satter
  • Prenatal / Postpartum
  • Prenatal
  • Breastfeeding or formula feeding?
Mother breastfeeding baby

How will you feed your baby?

What have you heard about breastfeeding?

What have you heard about formula-feeding?

How do other people want you to feed your baby?

Formula is good for babies. Breastmilk is better. You can love your baby and do a good job with either breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Babies grow up to be thin, fat, or in-between either way.

Learn about breastfeeding. Talk with someone who has breastfed. Give yourself time to decide. You may decide you want to breastfeed, or you may not.

Mother bottle feeding baby

Here’s how to make up your mind:

  • Breastfeed if you feel good about it. Don’t let anybody else make you.
  • If you can take it or leave it, take it! It is that important!
  • Try breastfeeding at first to help you decide.
  • If you like it, or if it is just okay, breastfeed.
  • If you don’t like it, don’t breastfeed, and don’t feel bad about it. You have to be comfortable with the way you feed your baby to do a good job with it.
Mother nursing baby

Why is breastmilk better?

  • Breastfeeding helps you pay close attention to how your baby wants to be fed.
  • Breastmilk protects your baby from allergies and disease.
  • Breastmilk is always safe and ready.
  • Breastfeeding costs less than formula-feeding.
  • Breastfeeding helps you get your figure back.

Breastfeeding takes some learning. So does formula-feeding. Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed, ask your health worker to teach you.

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    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
    Wooden carved fork resting on the edge

    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
    Woman with shopping bag

    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
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    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
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    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