Breastfeeding & Lactation Support
Breastfeeding: Healthier For Baby
Breastfed babies have:
- Stronger immune systems
- Less diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Fewer colds and respiratory illnesses
- Fewer ear infections
- Lower rates of bacterial meningitis
- Better vision
- Lower rates of infant mortality and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Less illness overall and less hospitalization
Breast milk provides abundant and easily absorbed nutritional components, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties and live antibodies from mother.
Breastfed Babies May Become Healthier Children
- Less allergies, eczema and asthma
- Fewer childhood cancers including leukemia and Hodgkin's disease
- Lower risk of juvenile onset diabetes
- Lower risk of Crohn's disease and colitis
- Lower rates of respiratory illness
- Healthier jaw and tooth development, less speech and orthodontic problems
- Fewer cavities
- Less likely to become obese later in childhood
Teens and Adults: Benefits For Life
- Less likely to develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Less likely to develop heart disease in adulthood
- Lower risk of multiple sclerosis
- Lower rates of pre-and postmenopausal breast cancers
Breastfeeding: Healthier For Mom
Physically
- Promotes faster weight loss after birth
- Stimulates the uterus to contract and return to normal size
- Less postpartum bleeding
- Fewer urinary tract infections
- Less chance of anemia
Emotionally
- Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Increased calmness
- Breastfeeding makes travel easier, as breast milk is always clean and the right temperature.
- Physical/emotional bonding between mother and child
Benefits For Life
Breastfeeding may lower the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. Also, it may lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as endometriosis and osteoporosis.
For more information, call Lakewood Hospital's lactation consultant at 216.529.7596.