Mama's milk is the perfect food for your baby. I sincerely hope that if you are pregnant, that you will also be nursing your baby. Breastfeeding carries with it so many advantages, and bottle feeding is simply not in the same league as breastfeeding. Bottle feeding is inferior in every respect.
So, to give your baby the best start, breastfeed. Breastfeeding results in healthier babies, and in healthier mamas! Mama's milk is always at the right temperature, no bottles to warm up or clean. You don't have to replace old cracked nipples either or upgrade to larger nipples as your baby gets older! God has made you to provide the perfect food for your baby, in the perfect containers! Breastfed babies have higher IQ's, better immune systems, fewer ear infections, and better overall health than their bottle fed conterparts. Baby formula is just that, formula. In the US, our formula companies violate the World Health Organization's mandates that they not market baby formula as food. You can read more about that at:http://www.babymilkaction.org/pages/boycott.html
There are very few women who truly cannot breastfeed. Even women who experience discomfort in the early days of nursing will be successful at it if they have the proper support and information. If you give birth at a hospital, they should have lactation consultants on staff to help you in those critical early days of breastfeeding. If not, La Leche League holds regular meetings in communities all over the country and their leaders will be able to answer any questions you have regarding breastfeeding.
Click here for my related links on breastfeeding. Great sites, with information on everything having to do with nursing your baby. Video clips on the proper latch, reasons to breastfeed, and more!
Do you know...?
How to position your baby correctly at both breasts.
It should not hurt once your baby starts sucking and swallowing. (There may be some tenderness at first.)
Your baby should be able to latch on to each breast.
Your new baby needs to breastfeed 8 - 12 times every 24 hours.
How long to feed the baby on each side for each feeding.
When it is time to feed the baby and at least five feeding cues?
How many wet diapers and bowel movements my baby should have every day for the first two weeks?
How much weight my baby should gain?
When and who to call for breastfeeding help, information or supplies?
If you don't know, contact your midwife, lactation counselor, la leche league leader, doula or healthcare professional.
reasons to breastfeed
Human Milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs, is more easily digested than any other infant food.
Breastfed babies' diapers are less smelly! :-)
Breastmilk is FREE!! Formula can cost between $1500 - $2500 per year. More if you have a premature infant.
Putting your infant to the breast causes the uterus to contract which reduces the flow of blood after delivery. Nursing helps return the uterus to shape quicker than if you were not breastfeeding. This can help you avoid the use of pitocin or methagine to clamp your uterus down on the bleeding vessels within your uterus.
Breastfeeding promotes proper development of jaw and facial structure.
Breastfeeding helps safeguard baby against infection as well as allergies. Living substances unique to your milk inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses for your baby. These substances are not in any formula!
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months reduce their risk of developing asthma before age 6.
Studies show that mothers who breastfeed for even a few months are less likely to develop breast cancer. Breastfeeding also protects against ovarian cancer, urinary tract infections, and osteoporosis.
50% of the iron in breastmilk is absorbed vs. 4% of the iron from iron-fortified formula.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful way for you and your baby to relax. Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle!!! Breastfeeding is designed for optimal bonding!
Breastfed babies have higher IQs.
Breastmilk adjusts to the needs of your growing baby, it varies in its amount and nutritional content as your babies' needs change. Formula never changes, it doesn't know if your baby is 6 weeks or 16 months...it is all the same.
Disclaimer:The materials provided at this site are for informational purposes and are not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.
