2. Why Breastfeeding is Important
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Why Breastfeeding is Important
Breastfeeding is good for babies!
Gives nutrients and disease protection
Protects against obesity
Lowers risk of ear infections, asthma, respiratory infections
and diarrhea
Protects against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Promotes bonding between mother and baby
Exclusive breastfeeding gives the greatest benefit

3. Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED)
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED)
Breastfeeding is good for mom!
Lowers her risk for breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and
heart disease
Promotes bonding between mom and baby
The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit

4. Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED)
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Why Breastfeeding is Important (CONTINUED)
Breastfeeding is good for family!
Breastfeeding is free
Breastmilk is convenient—it’s always available and the perfect
temperature
Breastmilk is easier for your baby to digest
Your breastmilk supply increases and changes to meet your
baby’s needs
Breastfeeding is good for the planet
Support from those around you can help with your
decision to breastfeed

5. Exclusive Breastfeeding is Best for Six Months and Beyond
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Exclusive Breastfeeding is
Best for Six Months and Beyond
Give only breastmilk for the first six months, with no
additional foods or liquids. Continuing to breastfeed
to 12 months (with foods added at 6 months) extends
the benefits.
Breastmilk has all the nutrients your baby needs
Feeding other foods too soon can cause digestive problems
like spit-ups and constipation
Provides health benefits to both mother and baby

6. Skin-to-Skin is Best for Your Baby
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Skin-to-Skin is Best for Your Baby
Your baby wants to be with you right away
This keeps the baby warm and calm
Better oxygen and blood sugar levels for your baby
Good for bonding
Helps support your breastfeeding
Helps you learn the feeding cues for baby-led feeding
Frequent feeding helps develop a good milk supply

7. Rooming in So You and Your Baby Can Stay Together All the Time
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Rooming in So You and Your Baby
Can Stay Together All the Time
Parents learn baby’s feeding cues
Baby learns to recognize mom, sleeps better and cries less
Parents learn how to care for baby with staff nearby to help
Baby has more chances to learn to breastfeed and mom can
develop more breastfeeding confidence

9. Feed Your Baby as Often and Long as Baby Shows Signs of Being Hungry
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Feed Your Baby as Often and Long as
Baby Shows Signs of Being Hungry
Allow baby to guide feeding. Look for cues:
Stirring, mouth opening, turning head, sucking hands and
rooting for food
Ensures a good milk supply
Baby’s hunger is satisfied
Watch the baby, not the clock

10. Your Baby’s Stomach Size is Perfectly Matched to Your Milk Supply
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Your Baby’s Stomach Size is Perfectly
Matched to Your Milk Supply
Size of a newborn’s stomach
Day 1
Size of a cherry 5–7 mL, 1–1.4 tsp
Day 3
Size of a walnut 22–27 mL, 0.75–1 oz
Day 10
Size of a large egg 80–150 mL, 2.5–5 oz

11. Proper Latch and Positioning are Important to Breastfeeding
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Proper Latch and Positioning
are Important to Breastfeeding
Mother and baby should be comfortable while
breastfeeding—tugging is normal, but should
not hurt
Ensures baby gets enough milk
Ensures mom has enough milk for the baby
Good latch prevents nipple soreness
Don’t be afraid to ask for help

12. Ensuring the Best Start to Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Ensuring the Best Start to
Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby
Ask staff how hand expression can improve ease of
breastfeeding and getting baby to latch
Giving baby formula can interfere with milk supply and
successfully learning to breastfeed
Water should not be given to babies at any time
Formula can increase your baby’s risk for illness
Breastfeeding babies eat often because breastmilk is
digestible and delicious
Wait 3–4 weeks until introducing a pacifier
or bottle

13. Breastfeeding is a Gift of a
BREASTFEEDING IS THE BEST FEEDING
Breastfeeding is a Gift of a
Lifetime That Only Mom Can Give
Talk to your lactation consultant, nurse, and/or doctor while at
the hospital about breastfeeding
Ask about local support groups and resources that you can use
if you have questions after you go home