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Comments Off on Getting Comfortable with Breastfeeding

Getting Comfortable with Breastfeeding

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This is National Breastfeeding Week in the U.S.! Women’s Telehealth encourages moms to breastfeed, whether you are a first time or experienced mom with a new baby. With that thought in mind, Women’s Telehealth has collected some “Top Tips” to get comfortable with breastfeeding.

Top Tips to Get Comfortable with Breastfeeding

  • The first feeding and “latch on” is important for colostrum’s nutrients to help with baby’s immunity.
  • Forget about trying to follow a feeding schedule! Feed your baby as they are hungry.
  • Initial breast milk “flow” is important in the first few weeks.  Feed and pump often.
  • Breastfeeding pillows can be your “breast friend” when finding the most comfortable position.
  • Create some comfortable breastfeeding spaces in your home and stock them with pillows, snacks, water, books and breastfeeding accessories, so you don’t have get up during a feeding.
  • Make a breastfeeding travel bag and keep it handy.
  • Be diligent and don’t give up. Breastfeeding may be difficult at first, as with any new skill set, but well worth the rewards for you and baby!

For more info on breastfeeding visit: http://peapodnutrition.org/

Your resource for nutrition and lactation education, counseling and support.
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Comments Off on Breastfeeding: Giving Your Baby Their Best Start in Life

Breastfeeding: Giving Your Baby Their Best Start in Life

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The decision to breastfeed is a personal choice for a mother and her baby, however, research shows many benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby. Breast milk is nutritious, rich in vitamins, and saves time and money. In support of National Breastfeeding Week, below are some of the reasons you may want to consider breastfeeding your baby.

Benefits to babies who breastfeed:

  • Breast milk provides the ideal amount of nutrients and vitamins for babies, and it’s provided in a more digestible form than formula.
  • Breast milk provides important antibodies to fight off viruses and bacteria.
  • The colostrum that is found in breast milk within the first few days of giving birth is rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect the baby from infections, as well as helps the baby’s digestive system function and grow.
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma or allergies, and research shows that they have a lower risk of developing ear infections, respiratory illnesses, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding can also help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and it has been thought to lower the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers as a child.

Benefits to mothers who breastfeed:

  • Breastfeeding can help mothers lose their pregnancy weight faster since breastfeeding burns extra calories.
  • Breastfeeding helps the mother and baby bond due to skin to skin contact, the closeness of the mother’s body to the baby, and close eye contact to each other. This closeness is beneficial to both the baby and the mother.
  • Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which helps the mother’s uterus return to normal size and reduce bleeding after giving birth. It can also help calm the mother emotionally.
  • Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis as well as breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Breastfeeding saves time and money since there is no cost involved, nor time spent washing and sterilizing bottles and nipples.

Breastfeeding is a personal choice that a mother should make without being influenced by friends or family. There are many benefits, but there may also be some challenges, such as sore nipples, the baby not latching on, or not producing enough milk. Seek counsel from your health care provider, family members, or other mothers if these challenges arise. If breastfeeding is the right choice for you, it can help give your baby their best and healthiest start in life.

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