BREASTFEEDING /LACTATION SUPPORT:

Breastfeeding can be difficult, and we want our families to feel well supported in their desire to nurse their children. We also recognize that not all mom / infant duos will have success with breastfeeding. The right choice is the one that works best for you and your baby.

WHERE WE STAND: BREASTFEEDING

We along with the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that breastfeeding is the optimal source ofnutrition through the first year of life. We recommend exclusively breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby’s life, and then gradually adding solid foods while continuing breastfeeding until at least the baby’s first birthday. Thereafter, breastfeeding can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire i

Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth, usually within the first hour. Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger—approximately eight to twelve times every twenty-four hours. The amount of time for each feeding and the frequency of feeding vary widely for each mother-baby pair. It is important to recognize signs that the baby is getting milk, particularly after the first few days of life. These signs include four to eight wet diapers and three to four loose, seedy stools per day.

WHY BREASTFEED

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.

Breast milk 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.

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding is good for your baby because:

Breastfeeding provides warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between you and your baby. 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
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), asthma, eczema, colitis, and some cancers.

WHY IS BREASTFEEDING GOOD FOR ME?

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. Reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Keep bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age.

BREASTFEEDING ARTICLE:

Settling In: The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding

The first weeks of breastfeeding are a fascinating time of transition for you as well as your baby. During this time you will learn what it feels like to breastfeed, how to recognize your baby’s hunger signals, and how to know when your let-down or milk ejection reflex has occurred. You will learn whether your baby is a frequent snacker or prefers less frequent but longer meals, whether nursing tends to put her to sleep or to stimulate her, and whether she enjoys pausing occasionally to exchange looks with you or focuses entirely upon nursing until she’s had her fill. She will not always breastfeed in the same way, of course—just as you will not always be in the same mood each time you nurse. But you will begin to recognize and respond to breastfeeding cues. As you do so, the two of you will gradually grow more comfortable together, respond to each other’s signals more effectively, and develop a unique
breastfeeding rhythm.

Ideally, by the time you arrive home your baby will already have learned to latch on to the breast properly. Your newborn may even prefer one breast at this point, tending to nurse longer on one than on the other. It is a good idea to let her nurse as long as she wants. Keep in mind that once your mature milk comes in, its content changes during a single breastfeeding from the somewhat watery foremilk to the creamier, fat-rich hindmilk, which, like any good dessert, leaves your baby feeling content and sleepy. By allowing your baby to nurse until she/he’s satisfied (once she/he’s latched on properly), you can ensure that she/he will receive all the benefits of breast milk.

Even if s/he clearly prefers one breast over the other, however, it’s important to alternate the breast you offer first with each breastfeeding session. This ensures that a full milk supply is stimulated for both breasts and that as much milk as possible has been removed from each. At first, to remember which breast to start with, consider moving a safety pin from one side of your nursing bra to the other after each feeding. Later on you will know which breast feels fuller and start the next feeding there.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG:

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby’s Immune System
Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding
Stick with Breastfeeding – It’s Worth It!

NEWBORN INFORMATION:

Exams and checkups for newborns, or newborn care exams, will regularly be conducted, especially during the first year of life. The first exam will take place shortly after birth. The newborn care exam will likely be scheduled 1-3 days following the infant’s return home. Comprehensive, physical exams are crucial times when discussions can take place between the healthcare provider and the parents. Our providers will also provide information about normal growth, nutrition, sleep, safety, illnesses, and other important health care facts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BASICS OF INFANT HEALTH?

During the first couple of weeks after birth, some issues can occur. These are typically normal and our providers can help parents deal with them. They will also help parents understand what to expect with a newborn and how to look for any indications of a greater issue.

During your child’s newborn visits parents will be provided opportunities to ask questions and receive information on several new born topics.