August
is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Research shows that babies who are
exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to develop ear
infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to
develop childhood obesity.
We’ve
compiled some common breastfeeding questions, answered by Donna Bruschi, a
Hudson Valley lactation consultant and owner of New Baby, New Paltz.
As a new mom, will
I have enough breastmilk?
All but 1 or
2% of all mothers produce enough milk for their baby and many mothers produce
enough for 2 or 3. For good milk production, start breastfeeding as soon as
possible after birth and empty the breasts frequently. Follow the baby's
feeding cues and nurse at least 10- 12 times in 24 hours for the first two
weeks.
What should I be
eating while I'm breastfeeding?
You don't
need to eat special foods but you should try eat a wide variety of foods in as
close to their natural state as possible — just as you would anytime you want
to be healthy. Sometimes babies have a sensitivity to 1 or 2 foods in your
diet, but most babies do not.
Can you breastfeed
and use formula at the same time?
Any amount of
breastfeeding is better than none. A strategy that ensures that you have a good
milk supply is to feed the baby at the breast first, get help from a lactation
lonsultant if you think you are not producing enough, pump milk for
supplemental feedings and think of formula as an emergency backup.