Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mother and baby.  A healthy baby can benefit from breast milk, infant formula or a combination of the two. Breast milk is extremely nutritious and contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats essential for a baby’s health. Breastfeeding, apart from helping babies get proper nutrition and can help mothers recover from pregnancy and delivery.

Potential benefits of breastfeeding

• Can promote a “bond” between mother and baby.
• It is natural and specially made for your baby.
• There are lots of things in breast milk that are good for your baby, but are not found in formula milk.
• It is safe for your baby, and easily digested.
• It contains all the minerals and nutrients that your baby needs for the first six months of life. Together with other foods, it is very good for the next six months or more as well.
• It is always ready when your baby needs it.
• Breast milk also contains antibodies that help prevent infections and allergies. Your baby will be less likely to get infections, allergies and many other diseases.
• Breast fed babies have less chance of obesity.
• It helps you and your baby feel close to each other.
• Breastfeeding releases hormones, which cause the uterus to shrink after delivery and also decreases bleeding. It helps your body return to normal more quickly after the birth.
• Mothers who breastfeed typically have an easier time losing weight after pregnancy.
• It does not cost anything and does not take time to prepare.

Expecting mothers planning to nurse should discuss breastfeeding with a doctor, nurse, or certified lactation consultant before giving birth. Although breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, most of us need to learn how.

If a mother does decide to breastfeed her children, she should understand that breastfeeding is a major responsibility that requires her to maintain excellent nutrition and health. Women who breastfeed should eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Generous portions of whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products with an abundance of calcium are recommended. It will take time for both of you to learn this new skill of breastfeeding. The nurses in the hospital will help you and your baby start breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Coffee

Most physicians agree that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume small amounts of caffeine (equivalent to one to two cups of coffee per day), though larger amounts of caffeine may interfere with a baby’s sleep or cause him or her to become fussy.

Breastfeeding and Alcohol

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid alcohol because it can be passed through the breast milk to the baby. An occasional drink (no more than four ounces of alcohol) is probably safe.