HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

CHAPTER 9 Breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both your baby and you. Your breast milk meets all their nutritional needs and gets them off to a great start in life. Breastfeeding promotes bonding and contributes to your baby’s emotional development. In fact, the health benefits your baby receives from your breast milk will last a lifetime. Benefits for your baby • Lowers risk of SIDS • Protects against respiratory and diarrheal disease • Reduces ear infections • Decreases obesity later in childhood • Lowers risk of developing type 1 diabetes • Decreases risk of childhood cancer • Protects against allergies Benefits for you • Reduces your risk of osteoporosis later in life • Lowers risk of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer

Exclusive Breastfeeding The AAP and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months. Breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, should continue for the next 6 months and for as long as both you and your baby desire. Breastfeeding tips • Room-in with your baby in the hospital and at home • Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible • Learn your baby’s feeding cues and breastfeed often • Giving formula to a breastfeeding baby can have disadvantages; only use formula if you have a medical issue • Avoid pacifiers and nipples in the first few weeks after birth • After feedings, hand express and give any extra milk to your baby • Find support through friends, breastfeeding groups, or play groups • Contact a lactation consultant if you have breastfeeding issues

• Decreases insulin use if you have diabetes • Releases a hormone that helps your uterus shrink and prevents bleeding

100 Your Guide to Labor and Birth