Breastfeeding: Babies Best Start

One of the first choices parents make for their babies' health is what to feed their babies. Babies were born to be breastfeed and breastmilk is the best choice. It not only benefits baby with ideal nutrition, immune system support, and bonding opportunities, but benefits mother as well and with no manufacturing, transportation, or retail costs, is better for the Earth!

Just a few of the Benefits of Breastfeeding:

• Breastmilk is the most perfect food for your child and has many qualities that cannot be reproduced in formula.
  
• Breastfed babies are healthier and have fewer incidences of illness, immune cancers, infection, allergies and childhood obesity.
  
• Breastfed children are smarter. Studies show children who were breastfed have I.Q. scores averaging 7 to 10 points higher than formula-fed infants.
  
• Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
  
• Breastfeeding helps build a special bond between you and your baby, and helps your body lose weight.
  
• Breastfeeding saves money. Formula can cost up to $1200 a year, plus increased doctor visits for sick children.
  
• Breastfeeding is good for the environment.
  

Babies Were Born to be Breastfed!

Breastfeeding is a wonderful and healthy choice for you and your baby. Although breastfeeding is natural, many mothers and babies take a few weeks to learn how to work together to make breastfeeding easy and successful. With enough support, most mothers can fully breastfeed their babies.

You can tell if breastfeeding is going well in the newborn period if: Your baby feeds 8-12 times in 24 hours. Your baby sucks actively at least 10-20 minutes on the first breast and you hear swallowing. Your baby ends a feeding and appears satisfied after a feeding. Your baby has 6-8 wet diapers and at least 3 yellow bowel movements per day by day five. Your milk is dripping from opposite breast when infant suckles. Your breasts feel full before feeding and noticeably softer afterwards.

Contact your health care provider or a lactation consultant if you have any concerns or if:

• You are considering stopping breastfeeding or giving formula because of problems with breastfeeding.
• Your baby is very sleepy and does not wake to feed.
• You have breast or nipple pain.
• Your breasts are uncomfortably full and do not soften after feedings.
  

Breastfeeding Builds Strong Kids & Healthy Families!

Click here for a list of Breastfeeding Friendly local businesses and public places that commit to welcoming breastfeeding mothers.