Babies Are Born
to Breastfeed
An informed choice on infant feeding
can have a positive long-term effect on the health of both the mother
and baby. The Health and Human Services National Breastfeeding Campaign
promotes awareness that breastfeeding is the norm, or in other words,
breastfeeding is the standard. Exclusively breastfeeding for six months
is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, The Center for
Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Not breastfeeding can
increase the risk of many diseases, infections, and even obesity.
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Benefits of Exclusively
Breastfeeding
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Complete nutrition for the baby
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Antibodies to protect baby from many illnesses
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FREE!
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Already at proper temperature
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Available anytime- even during disasters!
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Less trips to the doctor
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Helps mother lose weight
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Relaxing for mother and baby
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Increases bond between
mother and baby
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Many local sources of support
(see below)
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Risks of NOT
Breastfeeding
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Increased risk of obesity
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Increased risk of ear and
upper respiratory infections
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Increased risk of
Diabetes
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Increased risk of
Allergies
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Increased risk of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome
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Must be aware of formula
recalls
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Increased risk of Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay
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Increased risk of
Diarrhea and Constipation
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Increased risk of cancer
for both mother and baby
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Increased risk of
Osteoporosis
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“For those who cannot breastfeed,
infant formula is an acceptable solution, but the solution to
improved health status for the majority can be achieved by…embracing
exclusive breastfeeding and finding ways to eliminate unnecessary
use of infant formula.”
AAP Section on Breastfeeding Summer 2004
Places of Support in Palm Beach County
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
www.floridawic.org
La Leche League
www.lllflorida.com
Breastfeeding Coalition of Palm Beach County
www.pbcbreastfeeding.org
HHS Office on Women’s Health
www.4woman.gov
 print
this page
www.floridaonthemove.org
Palm Beach County:
Florenzia Davis, PhD,MS,RD,LD/N
Senior Public Health Nutritionist
(561) 681-2524 x106 |
