Learn the answers to your questions about breastfeeding

Are you a mom-to-be planning for your wee one’s arrival and pondering bottle-feeding versus breastfeeding? Well, here’s a handy guide that answers some common questions and highlights some of the amazing benefits of breastfeeding.

Why Breastfeed?
Breastfeeding offers a wonderful array of benefits.

• The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates breastfeeding, and states that early breast milk provides a baby with not only the best nutrition, but also with antibodies that boost his or her immune system and help fight sickness.
• Studies have shown breastfed babies have a reduced risk of asthma, allergies, ear infections and obesity.
• Breast milk is easier to digest, and breastfed babies experience less colic than bottle-fed babies.
• Breastfeeding offers a special opportunity for you and your baby to bond emotionally.
• Breastfeeding can be less expensive than bottle-feeding formula.
• Breastfeeding benefits mom, too. It’s been linked to a lower incidence of postpartum depression, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

How to Learn
One of the best ways to learn about breastfeeding is to take a class. Among the things you may learn are:

• How to position your baby to make breastfeeding easiest.
• Tips for getting your baby to latch on properly.
• When and why to alternate breasts when feeding.
• How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.
• How to pump breast milk, and what to look for in a breast pump.
• How to store breast milk.
• The optimal length of time to breastfeed, and how to wean your baby.
• What and how much a breastfeeding mom should eat.
• Remedies for soreness or discomfort.
• Instances when you shouldn’t breastfeed.

Here at Medical Center Arlington, we offer a two hour breastfeeding class the first 3 Wednesdays of each month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. To learn more, visit us online or call (817) 472-4787. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-868-6262.

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Bringing Home Baby: What to Expect the First Week