Breastfeeding
The first few weeks of breastfeeding are the most challenging. Talk to your lactation consultant to get help if you are struggling. Some women may not be able to breastfeed due to certain health conditions or other reasons that effect milk supply. Be sure and address any concerns with your provider.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants receive only breast milk until around 6 months of age, when solid foods are introduced. After 6 months, babies may continue to breastfeed for as long as is mutually desirable by mom and baby.
How soon should I try breastfeeding?
Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first couple of hours. This is a special time for just parents and baby. Ask your visitors to delay their visit until you have shared this time together and allowed your baby to breastfeed.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding benefits both baby and mom. It enhances the bond between you and your baby while providing him or her with nature’s ideal first food. Breastfeeding may lower your risk of developing certain health problems and can also help you lose weight gained during pregnancy.
We recommend that you exclusively breastfeed your baby (giving only breast milk) for the first 6 months of life. You can continue breastfeeding (alongside a nutritious diet of solid foods) for at least the first year of your baby’s life. This should provide your baby with the nutrients he or she needs for optimum health and growth.
After a year, you may breastfeed for as long as both you and your baby would like to continue. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits will be for you and your baby.
Why should I breastfeed?
- Breastfeeding creates a special bond between you and your baby.
- Breast milk is the easiest food for new babies to digest.
- Breast milk is the ideal food for babies and cannot be equaled by any formula.
- Unlike formula, which can cost $1,000 to $2,000 for a year’s supply, breast milk does not have a cost.
Benefits for baby
- Breast milk contains infection-fighting antibodies that help keep breastfed babies healthier, warding off sickness like colds, diarrhea, pneumonia, and ear infections. They are sick less often and are hospitalized less often than formula-fed babies.
- Breastfed babies are less prone to asthma and allergies and have less severe symptoms.
- Breastfed babies are less likely to develop diabetes, obesity, and heart disease at any time in their lives.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is a sticky, thick, yellowish liquid produced toward the end of pregnancy and during the first few days after delivery. Colostrum contains protein, minerals, and vitamins as well as valuable antibodies, which help protect your baby against sickness and infection.
The thick colostrum helps coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing in the first few days of life. This strong sucking gives your body a signal to begin making milk.
Did you know?
The average one-day-old baby only needs 1/2 teaspoon of colostrum for every feeding. On the second day of baby’s life, this volume increases to 1 teaspoon of colostrum — the nutritional equivalent of 1 full ounce of formula!
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How to reach us
Need to make an appointment with your care provider? Feeling something unusual or like you’re going into labor? Want advice about breastfeeding? We’re here for your call.
