Breastfeeding relieves stress from mom and baby.

It's very comforting for the baby to be close to you, feeling your skin and hearing your heartbeat. It's proven that breastfed babies cry and fuss less. A breastfed baby becomes secure and even his temperature and heartbeat are steadier.

The unique hormones that are produced while a mom nurses have a calming effect, reducing stress hormones. Studies show that a mother who breastfed is less likely to develop post-partum depression or "baby blues".

Rest baby on a pillow, his head in the crook of your elbow. Using the C hold (four fingers under your breast, thumb on top), support your breast with your other hand.

Breast milk is superior!

Your milk will be produced according to what your baby needs at that particular time. Your milk changes from birth as your baby grows to provide the different nutritional needs. Your milk will change during the course of a baby's feeding too, formula doesn't change.

Breast milk is a superior food to any formula. Breast milk has the perfect amount of iron, calcium, protein, carbohydrates, and fats for babies. Over time, the breast milk even changes to keep up with the different nutritional needs of babies’ growth.

When you give your milk to your baby you don't worry about milk intolerance. Your baby's digestive system is waiting to receive breast milk. Babies on formula sometimes have digestive problems such as gas, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Only breast milk has a unique combination of fats that promote excellent brain and eye development. Studies have shown that breastfed babies are even smarter when they grow up and go to school.

Better health for your Baby and You:

Breastfeeding helps mom's health and babies. At birth, infants can easily get infections and diseases. Only breast milk has antibodies that help prevent babies from getting sick. Studies have shown that babies who do not receive breast milk get sick more often, have more doctor’s visits and hospitalization because of health problems such as pulmonary diseases, ear infections, asthma, food allergies and diarrhea. Additionally, babies who are breastfed are better protected against SIDS (crib death).

Moms receive health benefits from breastfeeding too. They will have less chance to develop breast and ovarian cancer. After weaning, calcium is better deposited on bones to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Finally, breastfeeding may help you lose weight.

Sit comfortably, with your back well supported, a pillow at your side and partially covering your stomach. Rest baby on the pillow, his bottom near your elbow and his back against your forearm. Use one hand to hold his head and the other to support your breast with the C hold. (Refer to "Cradle" section above for explanation of C hold.)

Unique relationship between baby mother / Bonding:

Bonding between mothers and their babies is easier with breastfeeding. Studies have shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to touch, kiss, talk and are more alert to babies’ needs.

Mothers who breastfeed are more “tuned in”. They make eye contact, and babies mimic their mother's expressions. They become close partners and get to know each other well. Mothers who breastfeed are especially attuned to the changing needs of her infant as it grows.

Fathers also have a role, they can help by bringing the baby to mom, then burping the baby, changing diapers, bathing the baby, etc.

Economy: Breastfeeding can save money. It is free and produced on demand. There are no bottles, nipples, or parts to be bought. You do not need to buy electricity to warm up these parts! A healthy baby needs fewer trips to the doctor or hospital; less medicine and co-pay.

Parents do not need to take a day off from work to stay home with a sick baby.
Breastfed babies have better jaw and teeth formation. This reduces the chances that you will need to spend money on expensive dental bills later! From the WIC Program, if you breastfeed, you receive more foods for a longer period of time than a mother who doesn't breastfeed at all.

If a baby is only formula fed, even participating in the WIC Program, parents might have to buy formula on their own because WIC is just a supplemental program.

Lie on your side with pillows supporting your back and your top leg, which is bent forward.

Convenience! Breast milk is always "ready to be served".

It is already clean and at the right temperature. You can be close to your baby and nurse right there. No need to wash and sterilize bottles and all it's parts. Breast milk is "portable". Wherever you go, feeding your baby will be simpler! Breastfeeding saves time!

Breast milk is not produced in factories, so it does not pollute the environment. It does not require processing, transporting and packaging. No cans or plastic bottles will be thrown on landfills.

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