Breastfeeding

Why Breastfeed my Baby?

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Breastfeeding is good for baby

Human breast milk alone is the perfect food for babies under six months old. Breast milk with the start of iron rich solid foods around six months is recommended for at least the first year of life. Your milk has all the right ingredients to meet the needs of your growing baby. Some benefits of breast milk are listed below. Exclusive breast milk without the use of formula provides the most protection for your baby.

Breast milk protects your baby from infection
Breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses
Human milk is easy to digest. Breastfed babies have less gas, colic and spitting up
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood obesity, diabetes and chronic bowel disease
Your milk protects your baby from cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of allergy and asthma
Breastfed babies have less risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Human milk promotes development of the brain and nervous system. Children who were breastfed do better on IQ tests
Breast milk is always ready, clean and safe; no bottles to prepare in the middle of the night

Breastfeeding is good for mom

Breastfeeding creates a strong mother / child bond.
Breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster.
Breastfeeding lessens bleeding after the baby is born.
Exclusive breastfeeding delays return of the menstrual cycle.
Mothers have less risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer when they breastfeed.
Mothers who breastfeed have strong bones.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of hip fractures in older women.
Breastfeeding saves money, and parents who work outside the home miss fewer days of work.
Babies who are breastfed have fewer doctor and hospital visits than infants who are fed formula.

Common questions and answers about breastfeeding:

Are my breasts too small / large?

Milk production does not depend on breast size. Women with all different sized breasts can breastfeed.

Will breastfeeding hurt?

Your nipples can feel tender at first, but breastfeeding should not hurt. The sensation of a baby nursing at the breast is not painful. Be sure to ask for help right away if you are experiencing pain.

Will breastfeeding tie me down?

Caring for a new baby is time-consuming. Babies breastfeed often in the beginning. As your baby gets older you will find it easier to take your baby out. You may also choose to express some milk and leave it for a sitter to feed while you are away.

Will breastfeeding change the shape of my breasts?

Some women find their breasts change after birth when added weight is lost. This is true whether you choose to breast or bottle-feed.

Do I have to follow a special diet if I'm breastfeeding?

Most women do not need to follow a special diet. You should eat a variety of foods (breads, fruits, vegetables, meats) and drink to satisfy thirst. Some doctors will recommend continuing prenatal vitamins while a mother is breastfeeding. If you are a vegan, you may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement. Caffeine and alcohol can be consumed in moderation.

Can I smoke if I'm breastfeeding?

Smoking is harmful to health. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding, however, are greater than the negative effects of smoking. So mothers who smoke can also breastfeed. You should try to limit the number of cigarettes you smoke to fewer than 10 a day. Do not smoke in the house or car or near the baby.

How long should I breastfeed?

Human milk is recommended at least through the first year of life. However, many factors affect how long a mother provides breast milk for her baby. If breast milk is stopped before one year, infant formula should be used to satisfy nutritional needs. Infant formulas are made from cow milk or soybeans. They have ingredients added to make them more like human milk, but they are not the same. The main difference is special antibodies in breast milk that keep your baby from getting sick.

Can I breast and bottle feed my baby?

Bottles can be introduced after milk supply is well established (about 4 weeks postpartum). You can express your own milk and put it in a bottle to feed your baby. Some mothers choose to breastfeed for some feedings and offer infant formula at other feedings. Introducing formula feedings too early can cause problems with developing a good breast milk supply. When you offer formula feedings your body thinks it is time to wean and breast milk production slows down (or doesn't get started). If possible, let your baby get really good at breastfeeding before introducing a bottle nipple. Some babies do fine with breast and bottle feeding in the early weeks. Other babies have trouble breastfeeding after having a rubber nipple.

Can I continue to breastfeed when I go back to work?

Yes. Breastfeeding helps you stay connected with your baby. More and more women are breastfeeding after they return to work. Effective breast pumps and milk storage containers can be purchased to help you maintain a good milk supply. Talk to your employer about breastfeeding even before your baby is born. Let your employer know that you plan to express breast milk after you return to work. Ask for a clean, private area to pump. You can pump during lunch or other breaks. Some employers will also allow you to make up for time spent pumping. You can call 1-800-994-WOMAN(9662) to find out if your state has any laws that require employers to allow women to breastfeed at their jobs. Many employers are not aware of state laws that protect breastfeeding.

Can I take medicines while breastfeeding?

Most medications pass into mother's milk in small amounts. The amount is often so small that breastfeeding is ok. Check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a drug that is safer for you to take. Information about the safety of specific drugs during lactation is available. Call your doctor or a lactation care provider if you have questions.