Breast milk is superior to any formula manufactured for infants and breast
milk is the ideal food for helping your baby grow. Breast milk helps your
baby's nervous system and brain development.
Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, but lactation consultants are
available to you even after you leave the Hospital.
Your baby will begin nursing shortly after birth. Our lactation consultants
and nurses will help you. It is recommended you feed your baby on demand,
as much as he or she wants. Avoid bottles and pacifiers until baby is
an accomplished breastfeeder.
You can breastfeed after you return to work. Pumping every three hours
will maintain your milk supply.
Breastfeeding has benefits for both mothers and babies than formula.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies get their mother's
milk for the first one to two years of life,
Babies that are exclusively formula fed, have been shown to have higher
increase of health risks, including a higher risk of sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS),
Breast feeding is good for Mom too. Breast milk decreases risk for osteoporosis
as well as breast and uterine cancers
Though breast feeding is encouraged, at Washington Hospital we understand
there are many factors that must be considered when deciding how to feed
your baby. A healthy baby is what is important. We support whichever decision
is right for each mom.