AtlantiCare - Benefits of Breastfeeding

Ways To Breastfeed

Room-In With Your Baby • “Rooming-in” means a healthy mother and healthy baby stay together in a hospital room for the entire hospital stay Benefits of rooming-in with your baby • Baby sleeps better and cries less • Baby feeds more often and brings in an abundant milk supply sooner • Baby gains weight better • Mother learns baby’s behaviors and is more confident about caring for the baby What about sleep? • Sleep when baby sleeps • Limit distraction and visitors • Research shows that mothers who breastfeed get the same or more rest than mothers who formula feed Feeding On Demand • Breastfeeding whenever your baby shows signs of hunger and letting baby nurse for as long as desired • Early hunger signs are mouthing movements, tongue thrusting, rooting and hand sucking • Crying is a late hunger sign Benefits of feeding on demand • Baby latches on better, feeds better, gains weight better and feels secure • Increases milk making tissue in the breasts • Ensures a good milk supply for months to come

Skin-to-Skin Breastfeeding • Done right after you deliver your baby and as much

as possible during the first few weeks after birth • The baby is placed unclothed on your chest, against your skin, under a blanket Benefits of skin-to-skin breastfeeding • Stabilizes baby’s temperature, blood sugar and vital signs • Reduces baby’s crying • Stimulates milk production • Enourages baby to breastfeed • Gets breastfeeding off to a good start