Infant Nutrition
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is good for baby AND you.
From the start, your breastmilk is tailored specifically for your baby. It has all of the nutrients that your newborn needs, and it grows and changes with your baby. Most women can produce exactly the right amount for their baby, though there are ways to increase your supply.
Lactation Cookies
Tips to increase milk supply
Your breastmilk contains important antibodies for your baby as well. It boosts your baby's immune system, thus resulting in a healthier baby and quicker recovery from illness.
There are many other uses for breastmilk other than just feeding your baby. It can be used on cuts and scratches, in stuffy noses, and for earaches. Breastfeeding can also be a natural pain reliever for your baby.
Other uses for breastmilk
Breastfeeding also reduces the risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) - even if you only breastfeed for one month, your baby's risk of SIDS drops by one half! There have also been studies that suggest that breastfed babies can have a higher IQ, and reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Breastfeeding can also result in a speedier recovery for you! Many women have reported losing their baby weight faster, because it uses up calories and stimulates the uterus to contract.
Women who breastfeed may be at a lower risk for getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer. For some women, it can even postpone your menstrual cycle (but that doesn't by any means replace birth control!).
There are many other benefits to breastfeeding besides health factors. Breastmilk is free, and while you should continue to eat healthily and take your prenatal vitamins, it can save you a fortune that you might instead spend on formula. There is no need to buy bottles to clean and sterilize (unless you choose to pump), and it's readily available whenever baby is hungry! Since babies who breastfeed are known to get sick less often, it can also save in doctor bills and time you might have to take off work to care for a sick child.
How to choose a breastpump
Breastfeeding can also be a great bonding experience between you and your baby.
Sometimes breastfeeding CAN be hard. Your nipples may get sore, your baby may not latch properly, or your milk production might be low, but it can be worth it. There are many resources for women who have difficulties breastfeeding, and most cities/hospitals have lactation consultants who can coach you through it.
Breastfeeding problems can put a lot of stress on the mother, thus making it more difficult to enjoy those precious first months. Sometimes choosing to give formula can remove that stress. Mothers who switch to formula for reasons like these should not feel guilty, because what is important is that you are both happy and healthy.
Breastfeeding Info and Links
No, really ^_^
arrow Breastfeeding.com
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies by Noel Trujillo
"This recipe is great for mothers who are breastfeeding. It helps to keep your milk supply up or increase your milk supply. Use more brewers yeast and oatmeal if you are wanting to increase your milk supply. You can use more chocolate chips if you like or any kind of chips."
AAP Breastfeeding Recommendations
Breastfeeding Q&A
Kellymom: How does a mother’s diet affect her milk?
Formula
Often, a woman may choose not to breastfeed, or sometimes, a woman simply can't. Every woman has a right to decide how to feed her baby, and formula is the next best thing to breastmilk. Cow's milk can be difficult for a baby to digest so it is recommended that a baby stick to formula or breastmilk for the first year.
Choosing a formula
Formula has many benefits. For one thing, it is much easier to track exactly how much food your baby is getting. It can be very reassuring to know that your baby is getting exactly whan he or she needs, and if they are not, you can call your pediatrician right away.
How much should my baby eat?
Formula is also known to be digested more slower, which can result in fewer feedings throughout the day, and the baby may be more likely to sleep through the night.
Many women enjoy the freedom that comes with bottle feeding as well. Anyone can give baby a bottle, and new mothers can go back to work sooner. You do not have to worry about having a drink or two when you have a night out, or the need to pump before and after.
Breastfeeding problems can put a lot of stress on the mother, thus making it more difficult to enjoy those precious first months. Sometimes choosing to give formula can remove that stress. Mothers who switch to formula for reasons like these should not feel guilty, because what is important is that you are both happy and healthy.
Formula/bottle feeding Info and Links
Benefits of Bottle Feeding
AAP Information and Recommendations
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