Baby-Mom

Why do you think your baby eats too much?

Why do you think she is too big?

What does her growth chart say?

Does her weight follow close to the same line?

Chances are, there is no problem.

  • Some babies are just big, others are small.
  • Babies know how much they need to eat.
  • Some babies eat a lot, some not so much.
  • Eating a lot doesn’t mean she will be fat.
  • Fat babies slim down as they get older.
Baby-Chubby
Don’t try to get your baby to eat less. It scares her and makes her eat more. Instead, feed in the best way. She will eat as much as she needs. She will grow up to get the body that is right for her—big or small, tall or short, slim or chubby.

Here is what to do—and not do—when you feed your big baby.

Feed her in the best way. Feed when she wants to eat, as much as she wants.

Don’t go by a schedule for feeding. Don’t try to hold her down to a certain amount.

Find out what she wants when she fusses. Pick her up, talk with her, change her diaper.

Feed her if that is what she wants, after you sort out what is the matter.

Feed if she wants to eat. Let her eat as much as she wants.

Don’t try to get her to eat less than she wants. Don’t try to get her to eat a certain amount.

Look and talk. Be easy-going while you feed. Let her rest, then eat more.

Don’t ignore her. Don’t talk too much. Don’t be pushy.

Let her end the feeding when she is ready.

Don’t end the feeding when she stops to rest or talk. Offer the nipple again and let her say no.

Keep your nerve; let your baby grow her way.

Don’t try to get her to be smaller than is natural for her.
If you have trouble feeding the best way and trusting your baby to grow well, ask for help from a dietitian or another health worker who understands feeding.

© 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