|
|
 Breastfeeding
Should
I breastfeed my baby?
Getting ready for the
birth of your baby is an exciting and busy time. One of the most important
decisions you will make is how to feed your baby.
Deciding to breastfeed
can give your baby the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding benefits
you and your baby in many ways. It also is a proud tradition of many cultures.
Breastfeeding is good
for your baby because
1. Breastfeeding provides
warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between
you and your baby.
2. Human milk has many
benefits.
-
It's
easier for your baby to digest.
-
It doesn't
need to be prepared.
-
It's
always available.
-
It has
all the nutrients, calories, and fluids your baby needs to be healthy.
-
It has
growth factors that ensure the best development of your baby's organs.
-
It has
many substances that formulas don't have that protect your baby from many diseases and infections. In fact,
breastfed babies are less likely to have
-
Ear infections
-
Diarrhea
-
Pneumonia, wheezing, and bronchiolitis
-
Other bacterial and viral infections, such as meningitis
-
Research
also suggests that breastfeeding may help to protect against obesity,
diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and some cancers.
Breastfeeding is
good for your health because it helps
-
Release
hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior.
-
Return
your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly.
-
Burn
more calories, which may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.
-
Delay
the return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body.
- Provide contraception, but only if these 3 conditions are met: (1) you are exclusively breastfeeding and not giving your baby any other supplements, (2) it is within the first 6 months after birth, (3) your period has not returned.
-
Reduce
the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
-
Keep
bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age.
Breastmilk gives your
baby more than just good nutrition. It also provides important substances
to fight infection. Breastfeeding has medical and psychological benefits
for both of you. For many mothers and babies, breastfeeding goes smoothly
from the start. For others, it takes a little time and several attempts to
get the process going effectively. Like anything new, breastfeeding takes
some practice. This is perfectly normal. If you need help, ask the doctors
and nurses while you are still in the hospital, your pediatrician, a lactation
specialist, or a breastfeeding support group.
Published online: 9/09
Source: Breastfeeding Your Baby (Copyright © 2005 American Academy
of Pediatrics, updated 5/09)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and
Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
|
|
|
