Connecting
mother and child
Feeding
Your Baby
Hospital•ity is our commitment to the belief that
your care matters most. It’s about focusing on
you as a person, not just a patient. It’s about
taking the time to explain and make sure you
and your loved ones understand your options.
It’s asking questions and listening to your
answers. It’s simplifying paperwork and doing
all of the little things that can make your visit
to Crittenton a better experience. So, no matter
who you are, or why you’re with us, you can feel
more at ease and stay focused on getting back
to your best, amazingly fast.
Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
1101 W. University Dr.
Rochester, MI 48307-1831
(248) 652-5000
crittenton.com
Crittenton
Feeding Your Baby
With motherhood, comes an
important decision.
Let’s get started: building an
initial bond with your baby.
One of the most important decisions you’ll
make as a new mother is choosing how you’ll
feed your baby. The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be
breastfed exclusively – no water, juice, formula,
other ﬂuids, or solids – for six months and
continue to be breastfed for at least one year.
Breastfeeding your baby provides the best and
most natural nutrition and protection against
illness. Plus, the skin-to-skin contact between
mother and child enhances bonding.
After you have your baby, taking the right
steps can help you get off to a great start:
• Within an hour of birth, hold your naked
baby against your bare chest. Hold the
baby upright with his or her head under your
chin. Your baby will be comfortable in the
cozy space between your breasts. Ask your
partner or a nurse to place a blanket across
your baby’s back or cover both with your
bedcovers. Your skin temperature will rise to
warm your baby.
• Be alert for feeding cues.
• Don’t give your baby other food or formula,
unless medically necessary.
• Allow your baby to stay in your hospital room
all day and night so you can breastfeed as
much as possible.
• Try to avoid giving your baby any paciﬁers
or artiﬁcial nipples so he or she gets used to
latching onto just your breast.
Breastfeeding your baby.
The early stages.
We understand there may be some
anxious moments at ﬁrst, but breastfeeding
your baby is one of the most rewarding
moments you may experience with your
newborn. Relax, take a deep breath and
focus on being one with your newborn:
The ﬁrst hours of a baby’s life are easily
the most important. It’s imperative you
spend as much time as possible with your
newborn. These are hours you can never
get back, so be sure to nurture you baby
as much as you can and keep in mind:
• Feeding your baby skin-to-skin can
initiate baby’s feeding reﬂexes and
improve breastfeeding.
• Responding to your baby’s needs does not
spoil him or her; rather, it’s the only way you
can teach your baby to trust you.
• Support the baby’s neck and shoulders with
one hand and your breast with the other,
so your baby can move in an effort to ﬁnd
your breast.
• Breast milk is all the nutrition your baby needs
for at least six months.
• Allow your baby to tilt his or her head back
slightly to open wide. With head back and
mouth open, the baby’s tongue is naturally down
and ready for the breast to go on top of it.
• Wear your baby in a sling or other soft baby
carrier throughout the day.
• Allow your breast to hang naturally. With the
slightest contact, your baby will instinctively open
the mouth wide and place it over
the nipple.
• At ﬁrst, your baby’s nose will be lined up
opposite your nipple. As the chin presses into
your breast, your baby’s open mouth will get a
mouthful of breast for a deep latch. Keep in mind
your baby can breathe at the breast (nostrils will
ﬂare to allow air in).
• Don’t put your hands on your baby’s head.
As the head tilts back, support your baby’s
upper back and shoulders with the palm of your
hand, and pull your baby in close.
• Remember that colostrum is nutrient-rich and
your baby doesn’t need to eat much in the ﬁrst
hours and days of life.
• Sleep in the same room with your baby and
be together as much as possible.
• Nurse your baby whenever he or she shows
signs of hunger, which on average is eight to
twelve times every twenty-four hours.
• Remember breastfeeding is always a
top priority.
• Be patient with yourself and your baby as you
learn to breastfeed together.
• Stay conﬁdent, even if your breastfeeding
journey becomes bumpy.
We’re always here to help.
Sometimes everything doesn’t go according
to plan on your breastfeeding path. That’s why
our lactation consultants are here – to help
you on your way. Whatever problems you may
be encountering, we’ll be able to help you
get back on track. For instance, many new
mothers worry about whether their baby is
getting enough milk. Our consultant will be able
to give you the answers you need. If your baby
has a medical reason to receive a supplement,
our consultant will recommend you pump your
breasts to maintain your milk supply.
What if breastfeeding
doesn’t work?
Here are some tips to promote a mother
and child connection even if you’re not
able to breastfeed your baby:
•Sleep in the same room with your baby
and be together as much as possible.
•Wear your baby in a sling or other soft
baby carrier throughout the day.
•Respond to your baby’s needs before
he or she cries.
•Hold your baby skin-to-skin, make
eye contact, and talk to your baby
during feedings.
•Hold, look at and talk to your baby even
when you’re not feeding.
Contact Us
For more information go to
crittenton.com/the-birthplace
or call (248) 652-5331.