Why should a woman choose to breastfeed?
  1. Breast milk has antibodies to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses.
  2. Breast milk has the perfect amounts of fat, water, protein, and sugar that an infant needs.
  3. Breastfed babies are sick less often and require fewer medical visits.
  4. Nursing makes it easier for a new mother to lose weight after pregnancy.
  5. Breastfeeding causes the uterus contract helping it to return to its original size and reduce the bleeding that many women experience after childbirth.
  6. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer and possibly ovarian cancer.
  7. Breastfeeding is cost free.
  8. Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly since it requires no packaging, advertising, shipping, or disposal.
  9. While breastfeeding, a woman’s ovaries may stop producing eggs, making it more difficult for her to get pregnant.
  10. Breastfeeding helps mothers and newborns bond due to the close physical contact.



How long should a woman breastfeed?

The position of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) is that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.
For more information from the American Dietetic Association visit www.eatright.org




Can a woman breastfeed if her breasts are small?

Definitely! The size of a woman’s breasts does not affect her ability to breastfeed. The only difference might be that a woman with smaller breasts may not be able to store as much milk at one time and she may need to breastfeed more often.




How do I know that my baby is getting enough milk from breastfeeding?

Babies have different eating and diaper habits. The signs your baby is probably getting enough milk are:
  • About 6 wet diapers a day and any where from 2 to 5 loose yellow stools a day.
  • Steady weight gain, after the first week of age.
  • Pale yellow urine.
  • Sleeping well.
  • Baby is alert and seems healthy when awake.




Can I just pump my breast milk and give it from a bottle?

Yes. Many women lately are choosing to exclusively pump breast milk for many different reasons. This method works wonderfully for infants who are medically unable to nurse from the breast or for mothers who simply choose not to breast feed, but want their child to benefit from breast milk.

 
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