Breastfeeding

Baby's First Year Milestones Slideshow

• Introduction to Breastfeeding
• Comparison with Formula-Feeding
• Benefits of Breastfeeding
• Prepare for Breastfeeding
• First Feedings
• Positioning and Latch-on Skills
• Milk Production
• Home and Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Introduction to Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding or bottle feeding your newborn baby is a personal decision. If you choose to breastfeed, it will be helpful if you are in a supportive environment and have resources to assist you with questions you may have or problems that may develop.  

• Consider attending a series of La Leche League meetings or reading La Leche League's book on breastfeeding (The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding) before the birth of your baby.
  
  
• Ask other breastfeeding mothers for advice.
  
  
• A supportive network including other like-minded mothers helps with the commitments of this style of feeding.
  
  
• If you are undecided at birth time, consider a one-month trial. It is easy to go from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding.
  
  
• The first month of breastfeeding is the most difficult, so if you get through that period, the rest will be easier.