Breastfeeding - New Life Medical Esthetics and Wellness Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and New York Chinatown
InformationBreastfeeding vs. FormulaGuide To Breastfeeding
Breast milk provides baby with optimal nutrition, gives baby immune support to fight infections, and promotes healthy growth and development.
It is impossible to replicate breast milk. Knowing as much as possible about breastfeeding will help parents make informed choices about feeding their baby.
Less infections and sickness
Bonding time with mom
Healthy start for digestive system and organs
Promotes brain and nervous system development
Decreased risk of childhood cancer
Decreased risk for allergies
Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Breast milk does not have to be prepared and is ready when needed
Decreased blood loss after birth and return of uterus to normal size
Pregnancy and breast changes
Early in pregnancy, mom’s breasts begin making preparations for breastfeeding. Breasts become tender and veins become more visible as blood flow increases. The nipples and area around the nipples, areolae, darker in color. In addition, glands around the nipples enlarge and look like pimples. The glands help lubricate and protect the nipples from infection. Breasts become larger and heavier as they prepare to produce, store, and deliver milk to baby.
In the beginning, aim to breastfeed baby 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. This is especially important to stimulate milk supply. Breastfeeding works similar to supply and demand, the more milk baby consumes, the more milk will be produced. Every baby has his/her own feeding patterns, some babies cluster feed – several feedings in a short period, and others have slow or more evenly spaced feedings. Indicators to help determine if baby is getting enough milk through breastfeeding include: baby has average of six wet diapers a day and is gaining weight.
Turns head side to side, searching motion
Sucks on hands or fingers
Bobs head and mouth against caregiver’s shoulder or neck
Crying is a late hunger sign and can make it harder to feed baby.
When a mother gives birth naturally then breastfeeding is a natural next step. For those women who choose this step there are many places that she can find assistance. At The Birth Center we have breastfeeding classes, taught by Certified Lactation Consultants, that you can take before you give birth to help you have a smooth start to breastfeeding. You will also have one visit with a Certified Lactation Consultant at your home if you need one. There are also many web sites to give you more information.
Choosing between breastfeeding and formula for your baby can be one of the most difficult decision postpartum. You want to make a very informed decision about this topic that is inundated by opinions. What is really the benefit of breastfeeding? Is there any?
For a detailed look on the two options we’re linking to an article that appeared on WebMD.
Some people can be uncomfortable around women while they are breastfeeding. However, if you pull out a bottle of formula, there are those who may criticize you for not feeding your baby what they might consider “nature’s perfect food” — breast milk.
Welcome to mommy guilt. No matter what you decide, other people will surely have an opinion. Only one thing really matters: Which choice is right for you?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breast milk as the best nutrition for infants. Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months, according to the AAP. After other foods have been introduced, the AAP encourages mothers to continue to breastfeed until baby is at least a year old, and as long after that as both mother and child are willing.
It may raise your child’s intelligence. Studies show breastfed babies have higher levels of cognitive function.
[sc:readmore link=”http://www.webmd.com/baby/breastfeeding-vs-formula-feeding” ]
Want to read more about breastfeeding?
Visit our Birthing Center