Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Breastfeeding

Table of Contents

  • A unique bond between mother and child
  • Easier weight loss
  • Less chance of bleeding after childbirth

Breastfeeding can save time and money, including:

  • Lower cost for feedings, up to $1,000 savings per year
  • No bottle cleaning
  • No formula preparation (breast milk is always available at the right temperature)
  • Reduced risk of breast cancer, some types of ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis

While you are breastfeeding, you are less likely to have your menstrual periods.

OTHER FACTORS

Some circumstances can change your plans to breastfeed. How and what your baby eats may depend on the infant's physical condition and your health after birth. However, with help from a consultant, most babies -- even premature babies -- can breastfeed.

Some babies are unable to drink enough breast milk by breastfeeding, due to:

  • Birth defects of the mouth (cleft lip or cleft palate)
  • Difficulty sucking
  • Digestive problems (galactosemia)
  • Premature birth
  • Small size
  • Weak physical condition

See a lactation consultant if you have:

  • Breast cancer or other cancer
  • Breast infection or breast abscess
  • Poor milk supply (uncommon)
  • Previous surgery or radiation treatment

Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who have certain health problems, such as:

  • Active herpes sores on the breast
  • Active, untreated tuberculosis
  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection or AIDS
  • Nephritis
  • Serious illnesses (heart disease or cancer, for example)
  • Severe malnutrition

RESOURCES

See breastfeeding tips for ways to overcome common problems. Health care professionals, such as physicians, dietitians, nurses, and nurse-midwives, can help answer your questions.

An excellent resource is the La Leche League International -- www.lalecheleague.org.

See also: Beastfeeding support group


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Review Date: 07/18/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)