When a new baby is born, it needs food to grow big and strong. Many moms choose to feed their babies with breast milk. This is called breastfeeding. Let’s learn more about it!
What is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is when a mom feeds her baby milk from her own body. The milk comes from the mom’s breasts. It’s made just for the baby and has all the food the baby needs to grow.
Why is Breast Milk Good for Babies?
Breast milk is like a super food for babies. Here’s why it’s so great:
- It has everything a baby needs to eat for the first 6 months of life.
- It helps protect the baby from getting sick.
- It’s always the right temperature.
- It’s easy for the baby to digest.
- It changes as the baby grows to give the baby what it needs.
How Does Breastfeeding Work?
When a baby is hungry, it will often give signs. It might make sucking motions with its mouth or move its head around looking for food. When this happens, the mom holds the baby close to her breast. The baby latches on (attaches) to the nipple and starts to suck. This makes the milk come out.
How Often Do Babies Eat?
Newborn babies eat a lot! They might want to eat 8 to 12 times every day. As they get older, they might eat less often. Every baby is different, so some might eat more or less than others.
Can All Moms Breastfeed?
Most moms can breastfeed, but some might need extra help. Some moms might have trouble making enough milk or getting the baby to latch on. That’s okay! Doctors and special nurses called lactation consultants can help.
What if a Mom Can’t Breastfeed?
If a mom can’t breastfeed or chooses not to, that’s okay too. Babies can also be fed with formula, which is a special milk made for babies. It has all the things a baby needs to grow healthy and strong.
Breastfeeding in Public
Sometimes a baby gets hungry when the mom is not at home. In most places, it’s okay for moms to breastfeed their babies wherever they are. Some moms use a special blanket to cover up if they want to.
How Long Do Babies Breastfeed?
Doctors say it’s good to only give babies breast milk for the first 6 months. After that, babies start to eat other foods too, but they can keep having breast milk for as long as the mom and baby want.
Breastfeeding is a special way for moms to feed their babies. It gives babies the food they need and helps them grow. Whether a baby is breastfed or formula-fed, the most important thing is that they get the food they need to be healthy!
Local Help in Westchester County
Here’s a list of organizations and resources in Westchester County that can help parents learn about and get support for breastfeeding:
- Westchester County Department of Health: https://health.westchestergov.com/
- Offers breastfeeding support and education programs
- La Leche League of Westchester: https://lllny.org/local-groups/westchester/
- Provides mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education
- Hudson Valley Breastfeeding Coalition: https://hvbreastfeeding.org/
- Offers resources, education, and support for breastfeeding families in the Hudson Valley region
- Jewish Community Services (WJCS): https://www.wjcs.com/
- Provides parent support programs, including breastfeeding assistance
- Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network: http://www.lhvpn.net/
- Offers resources and support for pregnant women and new parents, including breastfeeding information
Many of these organizations offer:
- Breastfeeding classes
- One-on-one consultations with lactation specialists
- Support groups for new mothers
- Breast pump rentals
- Hotlines for breastfeeding questions
Remember to check with your local pediatrician’s office as well, as they often have lactation consultants on staff or can refer you to local resources.
