Because Babies Were Born to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby. It helps to develop closeness and bonding between the mother and child. Women have been breastfeeding for millennia. For nine months a mother's body has been nurturing and protecting her growing baby. It can only make sense that a mother's body continues to provide the perfect food for her baby in the form of breastfeeding.

FAQ about breastfeeding

- Does breastfeeding hurt?

Breastfeeding should not hurt after the first few days. The baby should not nurse on the nipple only. If you feel pain, the baby is not latched onto your breast properly.

- How do I know if baby is getting enough?

If your newborn is having six or more wet diapers a day, and is gaining weight, you can feel comfortable that your baby is getting enough milk.

- Will breastfeeding tie me to my home or prevent me from returning to work?

With careful planning, you can continue giving your baby breast milk when you’re away. You should request a sanitary and private area to pump your breast milk during lunch or other breaks. Then refrigerate, place in a cooler, or freeze it for the baby to be fed later.

- How long should I breastfeed my baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and for as long as mutually desired thereafter. The World Health Organization (WHO) & UNICEF both recommend breastfeeding for the first two years.

Benefits Of Exclusive Breastfeeding

 
Emotional - Breastfeeding is an opportunity for mom and baby to bond, connect, relax, and play together. This boosts baby's mental and emotional development, & also assists mom's relaxation with & enjoyment of parenting. Breast-feeding is helpful & healing for moms and babies who are separated due to work, illness or other cause.

Monetary & Environmental Cost - Formula purchases costs a family $1000 - $1500 annually. Waste from tin cans, plastic bottles, & nipples add solid waste, manufacture of product pollutes & uses fuel. Breast milk is more convenient and sterile.

Childbirth Recovery - Quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight & less risk of hemorrhage after birth.

Reduced risk of maternal cancers - Including Breast, Ovarian, & Cervical.

Breast milk itself - changes as your baby grows, fights germs, is easier to digest, & diapers are less stinky!

Risks Of Exclusive Artificial Feeding

Lifetime Risks – include elevated cholesterol, obesity, and dental work.

Lower IQ – Infant formula is associated with cognitive deficiencies in pre-term infants and school-aged children.

Contamination – Infant formulas have been recalled due to contamination.

Allergies – Formula-fed infants risk allergic symptoms at greater rates and in greater severity than breastfed infants. Allergic reactions contribute to ear infections, respiratory illness, and gastrointestinal discomfort and disease.

Disease – Formula-fed infants show higher rates of infectious disease & have more autoimmune disease. They also have increased risk of Insulin Dependant Diabetes.

Death – Formula fed infants have a higher mortality rate and increased risk of SIDS. A risk benefit analysis in the US determined that for every 1000 infants born, four will die because they are not breastfed.

Did you know ...
According to the World Health Organization, artificial formula is considered the fourth choice for infant feeding? First choice is a mother breastfeeding her own baby, next is expressed breast milk from an infant’s own mother, then breast milk from a healthy wet-nurse or a human-milk bank. Last is a breast milk substitute.

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