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Breastfeeding

Providing a customized diet for your infant

According

to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age with appropriate and nutritious complimentary 

foods thereafter. 

(WHO, 2019)

Benefits for Baby

  • promotes optimal development and growth (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • protects against infectious and chronic disease (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • reduces infant mortality due to common illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • aids in decreasing recovery time during illness (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • reduces risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Moon, 2016)

Mutual Benefits

  • decreases risk of obesity (Kwah, Whiteman, Grunfeld, Niccolls, & Wood, 2018)

  • decreases risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Kwah et al., 2018)

  • improves secure attachment (Kwah et al., 2018)

  • improves bonding and attachment between infant and mother (Kwah et al., 2018)

Benefits for Mom

  • reduces risk of ovarian and breast cancer (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • delays pregnancy (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019, p. 13)

  • burns 500-700 extra calories per day (Bhat, Raddi, & Sawant, 2019)

Colostrum aka "Liquid Gold"

        Colostrum is a yellowish, sticky substance produced toward the end of pregnancy that is knowns to be the perfect food for your newborn . It is recommended to feed colostrum to your infant within the first hour after birth.

(WHO, 2019)

Additional Resources:

Breastfeeding techniques to establish productive latch

Occupational Therapist interviews a lactation consultant on how to increase milk supply

Breastfeeding to reduce the risk of SIDS 

Occupational Therapist discusses commonly believed myths of breastfeeding

Ask for help! 

Reach out to a lactation consultant for any concerns or just peace of mind! They are available in person, by phone, and virtually. Refer to the "resources" section. 

The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances. 

References

Bhat, A., Raddi, S., & Sawant, P. (2019). Breastfeeding techniques among primiparous women. International Journal of Nursing Education, 11, 13-16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/0974-9357.2019.00004.7

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Kwah, K., Whiteman, B., Grunfeld, E., Niccolls, C., & Wood, E. (2018). Evaluation of an intervention to increase clinician knowledge and confidence to support breastfeeding, kangaroo care, and positive touch within neonatal units. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 24, 94-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2017.10.003

 

Moon, R. (2016). SIDS and other sleep related infant deaths. American Academy of Pediatrics, 138, e2-e19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2940

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World Health Organization. (2019). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/

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