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back to NUTRITION topics
Why is breastfeeding important? What are the
important things that I should know about breastfeeding? Are there
foods that I should avoid while I’m breastfeeding? Breastfeeding
isn’t an option for me, is it okay to feed my baby formula? I have
HIV, should I breastfeed?
Breastfeed or bottle?
Whether to breastfeed or feed your baby formula is a personal choice.
Many factors may influence your decision including your health and
that of your baby, time, and comfort. The following are some facts
to consider when making your decision:
- Medical professionals, including the American
Academy of Pediatrics, consider breastfeeding to be the best option
for babies’ nutrition, and it contributes to mother-baby bonding.
- Breastfeeding gives babies added immunity and
protection from illness, provides the most complete nutrition
for babies, and saves money.
- Breastfeeding isn’t always easy or convenient.
According to the Medical College of Georgia, newborn babies may
breastfeed 8 to 15 times per day, but usually settle at 5 to 12
times after the first month. Pumping and storing breast milk
can help manage feedings and give moms more freedom while maintaining
the positive benefits for a breastfed baby.
- There are many available resources to help a
new mom learn to nurse, including physicians, lactation counselors,
registered dietitians, and online helps including Breastfeeding
Topics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.There
are some women who should not breastfeed.
- You should NOT breastfeed if you have HIV/AIDS,
herpes, untreated active tuberculosis, or beta streptococcus infections.
If you are taking any kind of medication you should speak to your
doctor before breastfeeding.
If you are unable to breastfeed, DON’T WORRY! Infant
formula can offer your baby a complete source of nutrition if you
are not able or choose not to breastfeed.
Top five reasons to breastfeed
- The first portion of breast milk, called colostrum,
contains some of the mother’s antibodies, which give babies immunity
to some illnesses until their own immune systems begin to work.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, “Breast-fed infants
have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhea,
rashes, allergies, and other medical problems than bottle-fed
babies.” Additionally, recent studies suggest that adults who
were breastfed babies have lower total cholesterol and LDL levels
than adults who were formula-fed infants.
- Breast milk is perfectly formulated for babies’
digestive systems and provides complete nutrition. The high fat
and cholesterol levels are essential for brain and cell formation.
- When mothers breastfeed, it encourages the release
of a hormone, called oxytocin, which “lets down” the breast milk
and encourages the uterus to shrink back to normal size.
- Breastfeeding allows for special bonding time
between mother and baby. This bonding process allows the baby
to develop feelings of security and trust. A mother’s parental
confidence is also strengthened through the reinforcement and
encouragement she receives when satisfying her baby’s needs.
- Breastfeeding is economical. The cost for formula
can exceed $30.00 per can of powdered formula. A healthy woman
can save thousands of dollars when she chooses to breastfeed her
baby for the first 12 months, as recommended by the American Academy
of Pediatrics.
Are there foods I shouldn’t eat while breastfeeding?
There are no specific foods new moms shouldn’t eat.
Most moms can have whatever they want to eat, but you should make
an effort to choose high nutrient foods and eat in moderation.
Breastfeeding mothers need five hundred additional calories every
day to maintain adequate milk production. Alcohol and drugs of
all sorts should be avoided, as should the other things listed under
our AVOID THESE THINGS section. Of course, some new
moms experience a more sensitive stomach after the birth of their
babies and choose to avoid spicy and fatty foods. Speak to your
physician if you have specific concerns.
Can I take aspirin or cold medicine while
breastfeeding?
Because some drugs can be transferred to your baby
through breast milk, you should speak with your physician before
you take any medications, drugs, or consume alcohol.
Breastfeeding isn’t an option for me, is formula
a nutritious alternative?
Formulas today provide a complete source of nutrition
for your baby. Each baby is slightly different in nutritional needs,
so work closely with your pediatrician to discover the right formula
for your child. Babies with special dietary needs will need close
attention and extra care in working with the pediatrician and a
dietetic professional to ensure that all of their nutritional needs
are met. If your baby has difficulty with formula digestion, there
are many nutritious alternatives such as soy-based infant formula.
Bottle preparation do’s and don’ts
Do clean bottles well with soap and warm water immediately
after use and before next feeding.
Do follow complete instructions on package for preparation
directions. Never dilute your baby’s formula to save money!
Do pay close attention to your baby’s incoming teeth.
Click here for information on Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (link to section).
Don’t ever microwave your baby’s bottle, as it can
create hot spots in the bottle and seriously injure your baby.
Don’t boil water for powdered formula because it
is not necessary and can make the formula too hot. Warm tap water
is fine.
Don’t leave prepared bottles un-refrigerated, since
prepared formula can spoil and make your baby sick.
Cereal and supplementation
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,
solid foods should not be introduced to your baby until 4 to 6 months
of age. At that time, soft foods may be slowly introduced as supplements
to breast milk or formula. Continued formula or breastfeeding is
recommended until your baby is 12 months of age. See our section
called Introducing Solid Foods
when your baby is 4 to 6 months of age.
Resources
Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)
The FNIC, which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
has a web site for nutrition and information on breastfeeding.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This is the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion’s breastfeeding site.
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/index.htm
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
CFSAN is arm of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and provides
this good resource on infant formula. The site includes alerts
and safety information, as well as frequently asked questions.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/inf-toc.html
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