Why Breastfeeding is Important BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Why Breastfeeding is Important Breastfeeding is good for babies! Gives nutrients and disease protection Protects against obesity Lowers risk of ear infections, asthma, respiratory infections and diarrhea Protects against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Promotes bonding between mother and baby Exclusive breastfeeding gives the greatest benefit

Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED) BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED) Breastfeeding is good for mom! Lowers her risk for breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and heart disease Promotes bonding between mom and baby The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit

Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED) BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED) Breastfeeding is good for family! Breastfeeding is free Breastmilk is convenient—it’s always available and the perfect temperature Breastmilk is easier for your baby to digest Your breastmilk supply increases and changes to meet your baby’s needs Breastfeeding is good for the planet Support from those around you can help with your decision to breastfeed

Exclusive Breastfeeding is Best for Six Months and Beyond BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Exclusive Breastfeeding is Best for Six Months and Beyond Give only breastmilk for the first six months, with no additional foods or liquids. Continuing to breastfeed to 12 months (with foods added at 6 months) extends the benefits. Breastmilk has all the nutrients your baby needs Feeding other foods too soon can cause digestive problems like spit-ups and constipation Provides health benefits to both mother and baby

Skin-to-Skin is Best for Your Baby BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Skin-to-Skin is Best for Your Baby Your baby wants to be with you right away This keeps the baby warm and calm Better oxygen and blood sugar levels for your baby Good for bonding Helps support your breastfeeding Helps you learn the feeding cues for baby-led feeding Frequent feeding helps develop a good milk supply

Rooming in So You and Your Baby Can Stay Together All the Time BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Rooming in So You and Your Baby Can Stay Together All the Time Parents learn baby’s feeding cues Baby learns to recognize mom, sleeps better and cries less Parents learn how to care for baby with staff nearby to help Baby has more chances to learn to breastfeed and mom can develop more breastfeeding confidence

Feed Your Baby as Often and Long as Baby Shows Signs of Being Hungry BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Feed Your Baby as Often and Long as Baby Shows Signs of Being Hungry Allow baby to guide feeding. Look for cues: Stirring, mouth opening, turning head, sucking hands and rooting for food Ensures a good milk supply Baby’s hunger is satisfied Watch the baby, not the clock

Your Baby’s Stomach Size is Perfectly Matched to Your Milk Supply BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Your Baby’s Stomach Size is Perfectly Matched to Your Milk Supply Size of a newborn’s stomach Day 1 Size of a cherry 5–7 mL, 1–1.4 tsp Day 3 Size of a walnut 22–27 mL, 0.75–1 oz Day 10 Size of a large egg 80–150 mL, 2.5–5 oz

Proper Latch and Positioning are Important to Breastfeeding BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Proper Latch and Positioning are Important to Breastfeeding Mother and baby should be comfortable while breastfeeding—tugging is normal, but should not hurt Ensures baby gets enough milk Ensures mom has enough milk for the baby Good latch prevents nipple soreness Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Ensuring the Best Start to Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Ensuring the Best Start to Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby Ask staff how hand expression can improve ease of breastfeeding and getting baby to latch Giving baby formula can interfere with milk supply and successfully learning to breastfeed Water should not be given to babies at any time Formula can increase your baby’s risk for illness Breastfeeding babies eat often because breastmilk is digestible and delicious Wait 3–4 weeks until introducing a pacifier or bottle

Breastfeeding is a Gift of a BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING Breastfeeding is a Gift of a Lifetime That Only Mom Can Give Talk to your lactation consultant, nurse, and/or doctor while at the hospital about breastfeeding Ask about local support groups and resources that you can use if you have questions after you go home