Breastfeeding 101

From Breastfeeding: Benefits & Resources

One of the most important first decisions a new mom has to make is whether or not to breastfeed her infant. Breastfeeding offers newborn infants numerous advantages and benefits.

Key Benefits

* Breast milk is constantly changing, providing infants with the most perfect nutrition at each stage of growth.
* Breast milk provides antibodies that are critical for newborn's maturing immune system.
* Studies suggest that breastfed babies have slightly higher IQ's than babies not breastfed.
* Breastfeeding helps speed recovery after labor for the mom by helping contract the uterus and even assisting with weight loss.

Nurse your baby as soon as possible after delivery. Your baby is most alert one to two hours after delivery. If possible, this is the ideal time to nurse, because your baby will be keen on trying something new. If you aren't able to nurse at this time, there are several tricks you can use to rouse your baby later and help keep him awake while breastfeeding. Try pinching (lightly!) the side of his cheek or tickling his toes or the back of his neck, for example.

From Breastfeeding: Evaluating Your Milk Supply
It is normal for babies to lose about 5-7 % of their birth weight in the first days after delivery. Their bodies require a great deal of energy in those first days, as they learn to maintain their body temperature as well as their digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems. After the first week, babies who are eating enough to meet their needs will produce 5-6 (or more) soppy-wet diapers daily. The term "soppy wet" was coined when cloth diapers were the norm, and refers to the appearance of a cloth diaper that contains 3 or more tablespoons of liquid. Babies should have 3-4 (or more) dirty diapers after one week. Babies should regain up to their birth weight by two weeks postpartum. A baby who has met his needs is often times described as "milk drunk" or "floppy full" and very content. Once mom's milk comes in and the breastfeeding relationship is established, you baby should gain (on average) about 6 ounces per week.

More articles on breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding: Benefits & Resources
Breastfeeding: The Best Choice
Breastfeeding Facts
Choosing a Breast Pump
What I Wish I Had Known About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding: Evaluating Your Milk Supply
Nutrition and Breastfeeding
Is My Breast Pump Covered by My Health Insurance Policy?
Can I Buy or Borrow A Used Breast Pump?
Using A Breast Pump
Keeping Your Breast Pump Clean
BPA Plastic Bottle Concerns