|
Breastfeeding Information
What you can find...
Need help? Have questions?
Contact the
Breastfeeding Support Helpline @ 1-800-994-9662
The National Women's Health Information Center's information specialists can
help with common breastfeeding issues such as nursing positions, questions about
pumping and storing, and provide support moms and dads need to make
breastfeeding a success. The helpline, which operates in both English and
Spanish, is open to nursing mothers, as well as partners, families, prospective
parents, health professionals, and institutions seeking to better educate new
mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. Please note: The
helpline is an information and referral service only and does not provide a
medical diagnosis or answer medical questions.
Within Reach offers a wealth of information on breastfeeding topics
including:
Visit the Within Reach website at
www.hmhbwa.org or call them at 1-800-322-2588.
Return to top
Breastfeeding Websites and
Publications
Links to external resources are provided as a public service and
do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.
Return to top
What Moms Say About
Breastfeeding
Why breastfeeding is the best choice
- Your breast milk is always available when your baby wants it.
Anytime. Anywhere.
- Your breast milk changes to meet the needs of your growing baby.
Formula stays the same.
- Babies need different amounts of food. Breastfed babies get just
the right amount.
- Although formula provides the nutrition babies need to grow, it is
important to know that breastfeeding gives your baby so much more.
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Breastfeeding is more than just food.
- It is the beginning of a special relationship between you and your baby.
- When you breastfeed, you have a relationship with your baby that no one
else can have.
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Breast milk protects your baby’s
health.
Breast milk is a special food that supplies perfect nutrition for your baby.
Each time you breastfeed you will also be helping your baby fight germs.
Breastfed babies have:
- Less diarrhea and less constipation.
- Fewer illnesses like colds and flu. If a breastfed baby gets sick,
the illness is usually milder and doesn’t last as long.
Breastfeeding helps protect against:
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Breastfeeding saves money.
Formula is expensive. If you decide not to breastfeed, WIC supplies
some of the formula your baby will need. As your baby grows you will have
to buy more formula than WIC supplies. You will also spend money on
bottles, nipples, and other equipment.
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Breastfeeding helps the environment.
Breastfeeding is natural and good for the environment. There is no
waste when you breastfeed; formula cans and old bottles add to our landfills.
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Breastfeeding is good for you too!
- You will not need to wash bottles or heat formula. Your milk is
naturally clean and warm.
- You won’t need to stumble around in the dark to make your baby’s bottle.
Your milk is ready and warm.
- Breastfed babies smell sweeter and their diapers do not have an
unpleasant odor.
- Breastfed babies are less likely to spit up than formula-fed babies.
When they do, it does not stain like formula.
- Your uterus will return to its normal size faster when you breastfeed.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of ovarian and breast
cancer.
- Sitting down to breastfeed will help you rest and retain your strength
after pregnancy. Breastfeeding hormones will help you relax and feel
close to your baby.
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Quotes from moms:
- “I feel a confidence that breast milk is from me. I wouldn’t give
my baby anything else.”
- “People say you bond, but when I was pregnant I thought, ‘bonding-what
does that mean?’ But now I know!”
- “Not only is nursing the easiest and most convenient way, it’s also the
healthiest thing I can do.”
- “My baby has gotten so close through breastfeeding. We have a
special type of bond now.”
- “It’s so soothing to her and calms her down when she’s upset. It’s
the bonding.”
- “I read a lot and heard it was better to breastfeed. I’m really
glad I decided to breastfeed. At first it was hard, but he’s so
healthy – it’s really worth it. After the first week, it got easy.”
- “What I’m producing makes him grow and it’s the most amazing thing.”
- “The wonderful thing about breastfeeding is to see her grow because of
what I’m giving her. My husband likes it because he doesn’t have to
get up and feed her or deal with the bottles.”
- “To breastfeed a baby is the most wonderful experience a mother can
have. That is because a baby is part of ourselves. When you
nurse, you feel that it is the best thing you can do for him.”
- “Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding for both Mom and baby. It
makes me feel good to know that as a mother I’m giving my baby the best that
she deserves. It makes me feel loved as well.”
- “What I like the very best about breastfeeding is when I am feeding and
he looks up and smiles!”
Back to What Moms Say
Return to Top
Interesting Links
Return to
Information for the Public
Return to
Information for Clinic Staff
|
