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You can help ensure the quality of your breast milk by consuming plenty of water and calcium.
The American Medical Association recommends that you avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages before a breastfeeding session.
For books, articles, and brochures on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, formulas, and baby nutrition, visit www.aap.org, www.medem.com, and www.acog.org.
For more healthcare information for women, contact the healthcare professionals at Memorial Hospital, at (423) 495-2525, or visit the Memorial Web site.
If you're expecting or considering having a child, you may also be weighing the pros and cons of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are many advantages to breast feeding, but there are also reasons why bottle-feeding may suit your situation better. Here's some information to help you make the choice that's best for you and your baby.
Advantages of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is good for your baby and you because it
provides nutrients, hormones, and proteins essential for growth, brain development and digestion
reduces the risk of infections of the middle ear, digestive system, and respiratory tract by providing natural antibodies (proteins that help your baby fight infection)
reduces the risk of food allergies
leads to fewer digestive problems than with formula because breast milk includes enzymes to aid digestion and absorption of nutrients
minimizes the chance that your baby will experience anemia (lower than normal red blood cell levels)
helps your uterus (the womb) return to its normal size more quickly after delivery
helps you lose weight after delivery more quickly because you will burn more calories when you are lactating (producing milk)
possibly helps reduce your risk of breast cancer, if you nurse for at least three months
can be more convenient because when you're with your baby, breast milk is always available
When Bottle-Feeding's Better
In some situations, however, bottle feeding with formula may be a good choice, if you
Are infected with hepatitis B or HIV
Are receiving certain cancer treatments
Are taking medications (Check with your physician about the best timing for breastfeeding. Because many medications are passed in breast milk, it might be better to take some medications after a breastfeeding session.)
Have tuberculosis and have not yet been treated for the disease
Smoke, drink heavily or use drugs (breast milk can pass nicotine, alcohol and other drugs to your baby)
In addition, bottle feeding
Can provide more flexibility for your schedule
Gives your spouse and other caregivers a special opportunity to be with the baby
Helps you know exactly how much food the baby is consuming
If breastfeeding sounds appealing to you, talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant (a specialist in breastfeeding). You can receive instruction and learn more about what to expect during the process. Once you start, remember that even though it's a perfectly natural process, you and your baby may need some time to become skilled.
Your Diet as You Breastfeed The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you be aware of what you consume because it can affect your child. In particular, watch for
Caffeine
A morning cup of coffee probably won't harm your child, but too much caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, poor sleeping, and poor feeding.
Cow's Milk
It's rare, but symptoms such as diarrhea, rash, fussiness, or gas a few minutes or hours after nursing may indicate an allergy to cow's milk in your diet.
Foods
If your baby cries or fusses consistently every time you eat a certain type of food, stop eating that item.
Medications
Get approval from your doctor and pediatrician for all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Smoking
Secondhand smoke is dangerous to children, especially newborns, and increases the risk of SIDS.
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This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional
medical care. Please see your physician if you have a health problem.
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