Your breast milk is specifically designed for your baby to provide optimal nutrition. Furthermore, breastfeeding protects your baby from infections and decreases your child’s risk of developing asthma, allergies and obesity. Many women begin breastfeeding for both the health benefits and the unique bonding experience it nurtures between mother and child. (For more information on the health benefits of breastfeeding visit these articles from La Leche League and Women’s Health.) The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with continued breastfeeding for at least a year or as long as it is mutually desired by the mother and child. The health benefits continue past one year of age.
Even though breastfeeding is a natural process, many moms experience difficulties getting started and it can take some time to feel secure and comfortable with this new activity between you and your child. Many women hear about the challenges of breastfeeding from their friends, relatives and the media before experiencing it for themselves. Difficulties which may occur such as sore nipples and struggles to get the baby to latch on to the breast can make the initial experience of the breastfeeding process cumbersome and emotional. However, after you master the latch and your breasts adjust, the experience can evolve into one that seems most natural, emotionally rewarding and bonding. By educating yourself about breastfeeding before the birth of your baby, you can prepare yourself for a smooth transition into the eventual delight of breastfeeding. Use the list below for helpful resources to keep you on the path to successful breastfeeding.
Read more about the health benefits of breastfeeding and tips for breastfeeding multiples!
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Learn MoreMeet Melissa Halas. When she’s not at SuperKids Nutrition, she’s inspiring adults to live their best life through healthy eating and an active balanced lifestyle at MelissasHealthyLiving.com.
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