AMAZING BREASTFEEDING/BREAST MILK FACTS

AMAZING BREASTFEEDING/BREAST MILK FACTS

Breast milk gives the gift of a lifetime to an infant. It is called "liquid gold" for the following reasons:

1. It protects the baby against allergies, sickness, and obesity.
2. It protects the baby against life-threatening diseases like diabetes and cancer.
3. It protects the baby against infections such as ear infections.
4. It is easily digested.
5. It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.
6. It does not cause constipation, diarrhea or stomach upset.
7. It gives the baby healthy weight as he/she grows.
8. Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests.
9. Breast milk changes constantly to meet the baby's nutrition contents. The milk changes in volume and composition according to the time of day, age of the baby and how frequent the baby takes it, to promote healthy growth.
10. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It is available wherever and whenever your baby needs it.
11. It is always clean, free, and at the right temperature. No bottles to clean.
12. Breastfeeding has no waste, so it is good for the environment.
13. Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes and certain cancers such as breast cancer.
14. Through breastfeeding, many find it easier to return to what they weighed before they got pregnant.
15. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between a mother and her child.
16. Breastfeeding burns between 500-600 calories a day. That means some moms might end up losing weight without any additional exercise.

Some helpful tips on how to breastfeed include:-

1. Breastfeed soon after birth, and breastfeed frequently (8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period).
2. Hold your baby skin-to-skin.
3. Keep your baby with you in the hospital.
4. Do not use a pacifier or bottle until breastfeeding is well established.
5. Give only breast milk do not mixed with any fluid or substitude
6. Breastfeed your baby for a minimum of 6-7 months.
7. The amount of breast milk you are able to produce has nothing to do with your breast size. A mom with small breasts can have just as much (or more) milk-making tissues as a mom with large breasts.
8. Breast milk is not always white. It can be blue, green, yellow (ahem- gold), pink or orange, depending on what you eat or drink. Don’t worry, it is okay for the baby.
9. When you breastfeed, your body makes the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Oxytocin produces a peaceful, nurturing feeling that allows you to relax and focus on your child. It also promotes a strong sense of love and attachment between you and your baby.
10. In essence, learn and practice good breastfeeding habit today for your good and for the good of your baby.

Resources:

Tidewater Family plus

Joy if Breastfeeding, www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide

Madelea.us

Fascinating fact about breastfeeding: https://www.medela.us/breastfeeding/articles/14-fascinating-facts-about-breastfeeding

Newyork state department of health

Why is Breastfeeding important for your baby https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding/importance.