| Breastfeeding is healthy for you and your baby. Here | | | | breastfeeding counselor. To learn more about |
| are some reasons why breastfeeding is best: | | | | breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at |
| • Breast milk can help protect your baby against | | | | 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at |
| illness. It can protect her from allergies. The American | | | | Follow your baby's lead. Babies tend to get as much |
| Academy of Pediatrics says it's good for babies to be | | | | milk as they need when you let them nurse when they |
| breastfed for the first year of life. | | | | want and for as long as they want. The more your |
| • It's best for mom. Many breastfeeding mothers | | | | baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. Your milk |
| lose the weight they gained while pregnant faster than | | | | supply will keep up with your baby's demand. How do |
| mothers who do not breastfeed. | | | | you know when your baby is hungry? Here are some |
| • It creates a bond between mother and baby. You | | | | hunger signs to be aware of: |
| can learn your baby's signals faster. | | | | Early hunger signs: |
| • Breast milk is easier to digest than formula and | | | | • Head moves toward voice, mouth opens |
| you don't have to prepare bottles or formula. Breast | | | | • Lips smack, tongue reaches outward |
| milk is always ready. Babies do not become | | | | • Hands move "randomly" |
| constipated from breast milk. | | | | • Fists find mouth |
| Each baby has her own feeding schedule. Some | | | | • Infant begins fussing |
| babies need to nurse more often than others do. In | | | | Late hunger signs: |
| general, nursing babies need to be fed at least eight to | | | | • Brow furrows |
| 12 times in a 24-hour period. That means feedings | | | | • Mouth widens, head moves quickly from side to |
| every two to three hours. If your baby has not fed for | | | | side |
| several hours and then dozes off after only a few | | | | • Fists clench, seeking the mouth |
| minutes of nursing, gently wake her to encourage her | | | | • Baby cries |
| to continue nursing. Try to help your baby feed until | | | | Do you think that your baby is too young for you to |
| your breasts are emptied of milk or at least 15 minutes | | | | enjoy interacting with him? Think again. There is a lot |
| from each breast. | | | | you can do, using baby sign language, that will be fun |
| If you have any questions or problems with | | | | for both of you. |
| breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, nurse or WIC | | | | |