Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

Mother’s Milk

Providing breast milk for your baby in the SCN Providing breast milk for a premature or sick baby is a gift that only a mother can give to her child. Breastfeeding and providing expressed breast milk offer many health advantages which will benefit your baby during his entire lifetime. Breast pumping and feeding is the beginning of a very special relationship between you and your baby. BREASTFEEDING WHEN YOU ARE SEPARATED FROM YOUR BABY One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to give him your breast milk. Breast milk is recommended for every baby in the SCN. It contains many of the nutrients required and is perfectly matched for your baby’s needs for proper growth and development. Studies have proven that breast milk provides optimal health and benefits to the newborn for as long as you choose to breastfeed. It may even prevent medical problems and infections. Some babies may actually go home sooner because they receive mother’s milk. Mother’s own milk for premature infants: • Is different than breast milk for full-term babies • Is better tolerated than formula • Provides antibodies specific for your baby • Has been proven to decrease chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome • Is the most important medicine you can give your baby Medical research shows us feeding human milk results in: • Smarter babies with better vision • Proteins are easier to digest • Fewer infections and other life-threatening or chronic illnesses • Reduces the risk of asthma, allergies, and anemia • Better blood pressure and lower risk of heart problems when older • Decrease obesity in childhood and later in life

SCAN + PLAY

We know it is difficult for new parents when your baby is born too early or is sick. It t important for us to help you in every way possible to ensure that you get off to a great start with breastfeeding.

Mother’s milk is more than food, it’s medicine for your baby.

• Fewer feeding problems • Less allergies and eczema

Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries

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