Why Breastfeeding is Best for Babies & Mothers

nenek — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:09:03 +0000

According to the American Academiy of Pediatrics, babies that are breastfed experience:

Fewer allergies
Long-term protection against diabetes and Crohn’s disease
Enhance brain growth and eye development
Boosted protection against colds and ear infections. In addition, mothers that choose to breastfeed reap the benefits of:

Stronger bones
Reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer
Increased ability to lose weight, as breastfeeding burns 200 to 500 calories a day

Breastfeeding Basics

nenek — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:06:49 +0000

Mom’s Health

Consume 2,200 to 2,700 calories a day to maintain a sufficient, nutritional milk supply
Adjust daily nutritional servings to accommodate breastfeeding needs by consuming healthy, well-balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy
keep water or fruit juice close by during feedings to counter the natural increase in thirst

Baby’s Needs

Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth
Allow newborns to nurse whenever they show signs of hunger
Breastfeed exclusively during baby’s first six months
Practice latching-on and positioning to unsure the most comfortable, productive feedings for both mother and baby
Let baby determine when the feeding is over
After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, begin introducing solids into baby’s diet
Begin weaning baby from breastfeeding by substituting feedings with infant formula or additional solid food, as appropriate