Public Health and Environment
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Basics
At Washington County, we support your decision to breastfeed your baby. As your baby grows and develops, breastmilk responds by changing to support your baby's nutritional needs. It is the very best food for your baby! Breastfeeding has lots of benefits for mothers and families, too.
Good for baby:
- protects against infection
- protects against illness
- protection from allergies
- improves IQ scores and childhood development
- reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, diabetes, and childhood cancers
- improves vaccine effectiveness
- enhances child's sense of security and emotional development
- is linked to decreased child abuse
Good for mom:
- promotes a strong bond between mom and baby
- promotes postpartum weight loss
- reduces cancer rates
- decreases osteoporosis
- less time spent preparing bottles
- is linked to lower incidence of domestic abuse
- reduces risk of Type 2 Diabetes later in life
Other facts:
- Breast size has nothing to do with your ability to breastfeed.
- The more often you nurse, the more milk your body will make for your baby.
- Breastfeeding saves time, money (up to $1,200/year), effort, and resources.
- Breastfeeding means less spitting up, less constipation, and fewer dental problems.
- Night feedings are easy since there are no bottles to heat.
- Nipples should not be sore after the initial latch-on. If it hurts, release the baby and have the baby latch on again. If still sore, seek assistance from provider or lactation consultant.
- Breast milk has the perfect amount of nutrients for your baby.
- You can go back to work and still breastfeed.
- After five or six weeks, dad or grandma can give an occasional bottle of expressed milk if they want to feed the baby. Waiting this long will prevent nipple confusion.
Preparation for Breastfeeding
- The best preparation is to read and learn as much as possible about breastfeeding.
- No nipple preparation is necessary. Have your doctor or health care provider check for inverted nipples.
- Do not use soap on your nipples as it can dry them, which may cause cracking.
Call for more information:
Public Health Nurse or Nutritionist: 651-430-6655.
Breastfeeding -- Returning To Work Or School
You can work or go to school and continue to breastfeed. Being creative and finding what works for you may make the breastfeeding experience more enjoyable! Here are some choices:
- Find a care giver who supports breastfeeding and is close to work or school. Go to your baby or have your baby brought to you to nurse.
- Nurse before and after work or school. Hand express or pump your milk every 3-4 hours while at work or school. Give your milk to the sitter to feed the next day.
For more specific breastfeeding information about returning to work or school that will fit your individual needs, call 651-430-6655.
