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“Families come in all shapes and sizes- grandparents, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, girlfriends, and best friends. No matter what type of family you have, the arrival of a new baby triggers a wide range of emotions. Becoming a family takes time and patience. So try to relax and enjoy each moment.
Breastfeeding is an important part of parenting. Unfortunately, it’s one that many parents find difficult at first. While some mothers and babies know exactly what to do, most need to learn. So don’t feel that you have to be an expert from the start. Learning how to feed, hold and calm your baby will give you confidence in your ability to keep your baby healthy, happy and safe. So, get ready, get set, and let’s go!”
A message to Nebraska Families from:
Amy K. Spangler, MN, RN, IBCLC
Breastfeeding is more than a way to feed your baby — it becomes a lifestyle and an important health choice. Every day that you breastfeed will benefit both you and your baby. Here are some of the ways in which breastfeeding is different from feeding your baby formula:
1. Benefits for Baby
- Human milk is the most complete nutrition for infants. Mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein needed for a baby's growth and development. No one has been able to duplicate all the vital components of human milk.
- Human milk has antibodies that help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are not found in breast milk substitutes, such as formula. Babies who are breastfed for 6 months are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea, or respiratory illnesses.
- Human milk contains complex hormones and ingredients that help protect against the development of chronic illnesses, including asthma, diabetes and obesity.
- The process of feeding a baby at the breast is known to calm and quiet a baby. Research is showing that breastfeeding helps a baby to socialize and promotes healthy, normal relationships as a baby matures into adulthood.
2. Benefits for Mom
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight after giving birth.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and promotes health bones.
- Breastfeeding is a normal, natural process that has survived thousands of years; it creates a biological connection between a mother and her baby that promotes self-confidence and enhances feelings of calmness.
- Breastfeeding saves time and money. There is no formula to buy or mix, and no bottles to warm in the middle of the night!
3. Benefits for Society
- Breastfeeding saves on health care costs. Breastfed babies need fewer doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.
- Breastfeeding contributes to a more productive workforce. Breastfeeding mothers miss less work because their infants are sick less often. Employer medical costs are lower and employee productivity is higher.
- Breastfeeding is better for our environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to formula use.
Source: www.4women.gov/breastfeeding |
For Families
