Breastfeeding is giving human breast milk to infants to meet their nutritional needs.
See also:
Nursing; Lactation
RecommendationsChoosing how and what to feed your baby is a personal decision that deserves careful and thorough consideration. Breast milk is the natural nutritional source for infants younger than one year of age.
Most health care professionals (including the American Academy of Pediatricians and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners) recommend breastfeeding for your baby's first year.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life. It contains appropriate amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and provides the digestive proteins (enzymes), minerals, vitamins, and hormones that infants need. Breast milk also contains antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections.
Experts agree that breastfeeding your baby for any length of time, regardless of how short, is of benefit to you and your baby.
You can provide your baby with breast milk directly by breastfeeding or by feeding your baby breast milk from a bottle.
Breastfeeding your baby directly from your breast can only be done by you. It can be done exclusively or can be supplemented with bottle feedings.
Breast milk feeding with a bottle:
Most doctors advise strictly breastfeeding for the first couple of weeks, until breastfeeding is firmly established, rather than switching back and forth to a bottle. This recommendation is based on the possibility of nipple confusion, which can cause sucking and feeding problems for infants who are switched between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. After the infant is 2 months of age, most adapt to bottle nipples easily.
Breastfeeding is a natural function, but is not necessarily a natural instinct for mothers. Most mothers need information about how to feed their babies. Mothers also need support, encouragement, and assistance after birth to enjoy feeding and caring for their babies.
ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING
Research shows that breastfed babies may have less frequent:
Breastfed babies may have less risk for developing:
Moms who breastfeed their babies enjoy:
Moms who breastfeed their babies should:
Check with your health care provider or lactation consultant about which medications are safe, and do not stop any prescribed medication without discussing with your provider first.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
If you run into any problems, contact a lactation consultant. Moms who breastfeed may have:
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.
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:
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).
Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who have certain health problems such as:
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
Deciding to breastfeed is a decision only you can make. It deserves careful thought.
Experts agree that breastfeeding your baby for any length of time, no matter how short it is, will provide rewards for both you and your baby. Breast milk is the natural food source for infants younger than 1 year.
Breastfeeding may take time and practice. However, with help from nurses, breastfeeding experts, your doctor, or support groups, you can enjoy the benefits and rewards of breastfeeding.
See also:
Nursing; Lactation; Deciding to breastfeed
RecommendationsBENEFITS FOR YOUR BABY
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life.
Infants who breastfeed are less likely to have:
Breastfed babies may have a lower risk for developing:
BENEFITS FOR MOM
Moms who breastfeed a baby also have some benefits and rewards:
Breastfeeding can save time and money, including:
CAN I BREASTFEED MY BABY?
Some things can change your plans to breastfeed. How and what your baby eats may depend on your baby's health and your health. However, most babies, even preemies, can breastfeed if you get the help of a lactation consultant.
Some babies are unable to drink enough breast milk by breastfeeding, due to:
See a lactation consultant if you have:
Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who have certain health problems, such as:
For more information see:
An excellent resource is the La Leche League International -- www.lalecheleague.org.
ReferencesPayne PA, Tully MR. Breastfeeding promotion. In: Ratcliffe SD, Baxley EG, Cline MK, Sakornbut EL, eds. Family Medicine Obstetrics. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Mosby; 2008:chap 4.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/13/2011
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
It depends on the breastfeeding cream.
NO breastfeeding will not cause constipation!
Is solumux safe for breastfeeding mom
Breastfeeding is not advised while taking NSAIDs
The best time for breastfeeding moms to quit breastfeeding is a personal choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding only for the first six months and then introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed until the child reaches the age of one.
a good site to visit for ALL your breastfeeding questions is www.lalecheleague.com
Can I take a cipla while am breastfeeding
No.
You cannot take this drug while breastfeeding. anti-deppressant no to breastfeeding.
According to safefetus dot com, (which uses Dr. Hale's guidelines for breastfeeding safety), it is not advised for breastfeeding because it is excreted into the milk and newborns are highly sensitive to it.