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For Mom
Reduced risk of postpartum depression, type II diabetes, and breast or ovarian cancer.
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For Baby
Lower risk of colds, asthma, ear infections, diabetes, obesity, and skin-related conditions.
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For the Community
More cost effective and less wasteful compared to feeding with formula.
Breastfeeding 101
How Milk Production Works
The more frequently you breastfeed or pump, the more milk you’ll make. Hormones play a key role in milk production. Every time you breastfeed or pump, your body releases the hormone prolactin. With each release, your body makes and stores more milk in the breast. If the level of this hormone gets too low, your milk supply will decrease. This is why it is important to breastfeed or pump right after delivery and then at regular time frames. Initially this is about eight times every 24 hours.
It is also very important to drain your breast fully when feeding your baby. A drained breast produces milk quickly, while a full breast produces milk slowly. Most mothers have an average of four milk ejection reflexes during a breastfeeding session.
Common Breastfeeding Positions
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Clutch Hold
An upright position, holding your baby facing you with his or her feet tucked under your arm.
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Cradle or Cross-Cradle
The front of your baby touches your front, on his or her side, while he or she lays in your lap.
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Laid Back Hold
Laying down comfortably, your baby will rest on top of your chest while you support them.
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Side-Laying Hold
Laying on your side, facing your baby while supporting your baby with your arm to prevent rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I breastfeed my baby?
How often should I breastfeed my baby?
Feeding frequency for newborns, particularly those who are breastfed, is indeed quite high, typically ranging from 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Babies feed frequently because breast milk is quickly digested, and their small stomachs can only hold a small amount at a time. It's crucial for parents to respond to their baby's hunger cues, which can include rooting, sucking on fists or fingers, and fussiness.
As babies grow and their stomach capacity increases, they may begin to breastfeed less frequently, but it's essential to continue feeding on demand and responding to hunger cues. Each baby is different, so there's no set schedule for when feeding frequency will decrease—it varies from child to child.
How will I know how much milk my baby is getting if I breastfeed?
How will I know how much milk my baby is getting if I breastfeed?
Easy. What goes in must come out! You will know how much your baby is getting by how often he has wet and dirty diapers. Healthy weight gain is also a good sign that your baby is getting what he needs. You don’t need to know exactly how much your baby takes. You only need to know that your baby is thriving. This can simplify life with a newborn.
How Long Should I Breastfeed? New Breastfeeding Guidelines Released by the AAP
How Long Should I Breastfeed? New Breastfeeding Guidelines Released by the AAP
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new breastfeeding recommendations in June 2022. These new recommendations support mothers to continue breastfeeding for two years or beyond. The recommendations align with guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the Canadian Pediatric Society.
Learn more here:
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