Good reading for breastfeeding!
Greetings to all breastfeeding mothers!
Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful choice, with advantages for you and your baby. While you enjoy your journey at the Nebraska State Fair, here are some facts and frequently asked questions about breastfeeding!
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
BABY:
- Lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Protects against respiratory and diarrheal disease
- Reduces ear infections
- Decreases obesity later in childhood
- Protects against asthma and allergies
- Lowers childhood cancer risk
MOTHER:
- Helps your uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy size
- Lowers risk of weak bones when you are older
- Lowers risk of breast, uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Can reduce insulin use if you have diabetes
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
- Decreases risk of heart disease
DID YOU KNOW?
Newborns' stomachs are VERY SMALL, and this is why they feed so often in the first few days. In fact, the size can be measured in terms of fruits!
- Day 1: Size of a grape
- Day 3: Size of a cherry tomato
- Day 7: Size of a strawberry
- Month 1: Size of a lime
It is common for parents to worry about whether or not their baby is getting enough to eat. Generally speaking, if a baby is mostly content and steadily gains weight after the first week of life, this is a positive sign. There are clues you can watch for that can confirm that all is well in the breastfeeding department.
- Feeds at least 8 or more times in a 24-hour period
- Makes swallowing sounds
- Moves from several sucks before a swallow to a 1:1 ratio
- Makes enough wet and dirty diapers for their age
- Is active and alert with a strong cry
- Has wet and pink mouth and lips
And after a good feeding, you'll notice:
- Your breasts feel softer and less full
- You have little to no breast pain after the first few sucks
