Why Breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is described as the “gold standard” or best form of nutrition for infants to grow healthy and strong. It provides frequent skin-to-skin time with mom that is both calming and comforting for a baby.
Breastfeeding helps develop the immune system so infants have:
- Less ear infections
- Less severe infections of the intestines
- Less urinary tract infections
- Less respiratory tract infections
- Fewer allergies
- Fewer episodes of diarrhea
Breastfeeding leads to decreased risk later in life:
- Less childhood obesity
- Less diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
- Less asthma
For mothers who breastfeed, benefits include faster recovery (uterus shrinks faster) and:
- Less post-birth bleeding
- Less anemia
- Quicker postpartum weight loss
- Lower rates of osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and breast cancer
If you choose to breastfeed your baby, our Family Birth Center nurses are here to help. All of our nurses are knowledgeable with breastfeeding basics. To help you prepare for breastfeeding, we offer a Breastfeeding Basics class you can take prior to your stay in the hospital.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Listen to Michelle Gnagey, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, in her own words. Press play below or read the video transcript.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Join us to discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding. Our free support group is led by experienced moms ready to share their knowledge and offer support and encouragement. A certified lactation consultant will also be on hand to answer questions.
Cost: Free
Dates: First and third Wednesday of each month
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Atrium Medical Center Chapel (first floor main lobby, to the right of the elevators)
Other Resources
View articles from our online library for more information about breastfeeding: