FAQ's

Why is breastfeeding good for babies?
Babies get all the nutrition they need from breast milk. They can live on breast milk alone for the first six months and then on a combination of breast milk and 'family' food until the child is weaned.

In addition to being the most ecological and economical food source, breast milk protects babies from illness and infections. Breastfed babies are sick less often and less severely from conditions such as asthma, allergies, ear infections, juvenile diabetes, meningitis and sudden infant death syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS. Breast milk is dose-responsive: The more a baby receives, the greater the protective effect.

Breastfed babies receive optimal nutrition for physical and neurological development. As a result, studies show higher IQs and less tooth decay associated with children who have been breastfed.

Breastfed babies have less heart disease and cancer later in life.

Why is breastfeeding good for mothers?
Breastfeeding provides the mother and child with a physical closeness that strengthens the bond between them.

Mothers receive immediate health benefits including reduced bleeding after birth and a quicker return to their prepregnancy physical condition. Breastfeeding also may space out pregnancies by delaying ovulation.

Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

How does the breast produce milk?
The female breast consists mainly of 15 to 20 lobes of milk-secreting glands embedded in fatty tissue. The ducts of these glands have their outlet at the nipple, which is surrounded by the areola, the circular area of the pigmented skin.

During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone, secreted from the mother's ovaries and placenta, cause the milk-producing glands to develop and become active. Just before or shortly after childbirth, these glands first produce a fluid called colostrum, which is rich in disease-protective factors. A baby nursing on colostrum encourags the mother's breast to start producing mature breast milk.

What would prevent a breast from producing milk?
A breast's ability to produce milk can be hindered due to structural defects (insufficient gland tissue) and by medical or cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic breast enhancement usually does not hinder breast milk production, but that breast reduction operations may reduce the amount of milk the breast is able to produce.

What is in breast milk?
Both human milk and formula (modified cow's milk or soy-based milk) contain carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in similar proportions. However, human milk also provides a perfect blend of nutrients, antibodies and white blood cells that protect the baby against infections.

When is the best time to start breastfeeding?
The best time to start is in the first hour after birth, when the baby is usually very alert from the delivery. A nurse or lactation consultant can help the mother with positioning advice and encouragement.

How can you tell if your newborn is getting enough milk?
A well-fed baby will have good weight gain. Have your baby's weight checked within four or five days after delivery. The baby will also produce three or more bowel movements and at least six wet diapers in a 24-hour period.

During the first few weeks, a newborn should be fed frequently. They may want to nurse eight to 12 times within a 24-hour period. Breastfed babies, especially newborns who are learning to nurse, may look as if they have fed successfully without actually taking in much milk. If the baby acts hungry a short time after nursing, assume the baby is hungry and offer the breast again. A baby's hunger signs are the most reliable indicators of the need to nurse. Hunger signs include balling his or her hands into fists, sucking on hands, keeping mouth open, and rooting.

Because a newborn may have trouble latching onto the breast after using rubber nipples or a pacifier, avoid using these products until the newborn has learned to breastfeed well. Most babies have learned to breastfeed after all of the following have occurred:

• The baby has a steady weight gain.
• The baby can attach easily and properly to the breast.
• Mother has no nipple or breast pain.

Does your breastfed baby need any food supplements (water, sugar, water, vitamins, formula)?
No. Breast milk contains all the nutrition and water your baby needs for his or her first six months of life.

What about breastfeeding and the use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine?
Although these drugs are passed on to the child through breast milk, the benefits of breast milk still make it a better choice than switching to formula. However, breastfeeding mothers should limit the use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine.

Mothers who use cocaine or heroin should not breastfeed their children. These substances can cause the baby serious injury and possibly death.

Should breastfeeding hurt?
Sore, blistering, bleeding or cracked nipples are not normal. Nursing mothers should call for professional advice is these symptoms occur. They are usually due to poor positioning of the baby and improper latch-on.

Engorged breasts (breasts that are hard, hot and hurting) are a sign that breastfeeding may not be going too well. Engorgement is not only painful, it can prevent the baby from sucking properly. In addition, it can signal to the body to decrease milk production. Treatment for engorgement includes use of cold packs to reduce swelling followed by breast pumping to remove milk.

When does milk production stop?
Milk production depends on milk removal and stimulation (the child's sucking motions). Milk production can continue for as long as the baby nurses.

When should you wean your child?
That's a personal and family health decision.

When do you call for professional advice?
Call anytime you have a question or concern about breastfeeding.