A
sk mothers who nurse their
babies to describe why they
do, and words like comforting,
calming and convenient might tumble
out. Good health does too, of course,
and science backs them up. A lot of
studies conclude that human breast
milk helps both mom and baby.
Here’s a snapshot of what we know
about the bene ts of breast milk:
1.
It’s complete nutrition.
Breast
milk has the perfect mix of protein,
vitamins and fat that babies need.
2.
It has antibodies.
These travel
from the mom to the baby and
help the baby build a strong
immune system that can ght
infections, viruses and bacteria.
3.
It’s tummy-friendly.
Breast milk
encourages healthy bacteria in a
baby’s stomach, which crowds out
the unfriendly bugs that can cause
intestinal problems. Breast milk is
easier to digest than the cow protein
found in formula, so babies have less
diarrhea and tummy distress.
4.
It lowers the risk of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Some studies show that the risk
might be up to 50 percent lower
for babies fed breast milk instead
of formula. Exactly why isn’t fully
understood.
5.
Its bene ts may last.
Research
shows that breastfeeding lowers
the chance of a baby developing
childhood acute leukemia and
type 1 and 2 diabetes later in life.
Breastfed babies are less likely to
be obese as teens and adults too,
according to some studies.
Although babies bene t from
breastfeeding, moms get some
help from it too. Nursing appears
to lower risks for type 2 diabetes,
breast cancer, ovarian cancer and
postpartum depression, and it may
help moms lose that post-pregnancy
baby weight.
HOWLONGTOGO?
To give babies the best start possible,
the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that most moms
breastfeed exclusively for the rst
six months of their babies’ lives. At
that point, they can introduce solid
food, but they should continue
breastfeeding until baby’s rst
birthday.
Additional sources: American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Breastfeeding—
Wednesdays, May 7, June 4, July 2,
August 27
Tuesdays, May 20, June 10
Classes are held from 7 to 9 pm in the
2 West conference room at ValleyCare
Medical Center (main hospital building),
5555 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton. To
register, visit
valleycare.com
.
Sign up for these upcoming
Breastfeeding Classes
It’s Good for Baby
and
Good for Mom
ValleyCare’s award-winning Lactation Services can help you
with the challenges that sometimes accompany breastfeeding.
Located at 5725W. Las Positas, Suite 235, in Pleasanton and open
1 to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, certi ed lactation specialists are
here to help or simply answer questions. Call
925-416-3598
today.
Following your journey to parenthood
Beginnings
BEYOND
and
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