Wash-Hands

Do you know anyone who had food poisoning?

What made them sick?

What do you do to keep food safe?

Food poisoning is serious, especially for children and for pregnant women. But if you are careful, you can prevent food poisoning.

Wash-up

Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rinse with clear water.

  • Wash your hands before you start to cook, feed children, or eat.
  • Wash your hands again after you touch raw meat, poultry, or fish.
  • Wash your hands after you use the bathroom or change diapers.

Keep your cooking area clean and dry to keep germs from growing.

  • Wash the stove, counters, refrigerator, cutting board, and sink with hot soapy water.
  • Use clean towels, dishcloths, and sponges.
  • Carefully wash and rinse equipment, utensils, pots, and pans. Let them drain dry.

Use only clean foods that are not spoiled.

  • Read package dates. “Sell by” means it will be good for up to a week after the date. “Use by” means it is no longer good to eat after the date listed.
  • Don’t use moldy or bad-smelling food or bulging cans.
  • Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables with cool water before you peel or cut them.
  • Keep raw meat, poultry, and fish away from other food. Wash your hands, cutting board, and knife in hot soapy water before you let them touch other food.

Keep food from spoiling. Cook it properly. Store it properly.

  • Cook meat, poultry, and fish thoroughly.
  • Keep hot food steaming hot until you serve it.
  • Keep cold food cold. Refrigerate it. Don’t let it sit out. After 2 hours, it isn’t safe.
  • Freeze meat, poultry, or fish you can’t eat within 2 days after you buy it.
  • Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

© Ellyn Satter

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

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

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

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

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