Breastfeeding

Breastfed babies may have less risk of developing:

Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea
Obesityor becoming overweight
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Tooth decay

Moms who breastfeed their babies enjoy:

No bottle cleaning
No formula preparation
Lower cost
Easier weight loss
Less postpartum bleeding
Enhancement of the unique bond between mother and child

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Moms who breastfeed their babies should:

Understand that ANY medications you take may enter the breast milk and affect your baby (check with your physician or lactation consultant about which are safe, and do not stop any prescribed medication without discussing with your provider first)
Maintain adequate nutrition
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, every day
Get plenty of rest
Take good care of your nipples and breasts
Relax and enjoy the experience

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

If you run into any problems, contact a lactation consultant. Moms who breastfeed may experience:

Nipple soreness
Breast engorgement
Leaking breasts
Let-down reflex (other than during breastfeeding)
Difficulty knowing how much milk the baby is drinking
Not enough milk for the baby's needs

Moms who breastfeed their babies may feel confused by lack of experience or support, afraid or ashamed to ask for help for such a "natural" activity.

Most problems can be easily managed with guidance from a lactation consultant.

Cow's milk by itself is not an adequate source of complete nutrition for infants. Commercially prepared formulas for bottle feeding are excellent sources of nutrition for babies who do not breastfeed.

OTHER FACTORS

Some circumstances can change your plans to breastfeed. How and what your baby eats may ultimately 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 adequately breastfeed due to:

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

See a lactation consultant if you have a breast infection or breast abscess, breast cancer or other cancer, previous surgery or radiation treatment, or inadequate milk supply (uncommon).

Some mothers are advised NOT to breastfeed due to health problems such as:

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

RESOURCES

See breastfeeding tips for ways to overcome common problems. Healthcare 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.

Also see:

Breastfeeding support group