Should I take a prenatal breastfeeding class?
Yes, breastfeeding is natural but it is a learned behavior for both you and your baby. Contact your local hospital or a lactation consultant to enroll in a class.

What about sore nipples?
Sore nipples is one of the most common reason’s new mother’s may think about quitting nursing. Prevention is the key. Getting your baby to latch on correctly will help to avoid most cases of sore nipples. Arranging for a consultation with a lactation consultant is well worth the time and expense.

How will I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Babies that are getting enough milk will demonstrate a specific suck pattern with swallows. Having an expert observe a feeding can teach you how to recognize nutritive feeding. Also, keeping track of wet and dirty diapers will help indicate how well a baby is feeding. Your baby should be back at birth weight by two weeks of age.

Why breastfeeding is best.
Breast milk is the perfect food for babies. It truly is designer milk.
Colostrum is the first milk a newborn receives after birth. It is loaded with antibodies that will protect your baby from illness and infections.

Breastfeeding is very inexpensive. Formula can cost as much as $2000 dollars a year and if your baby gets sick, you may have to miss work and have more frequent doctor visits.

Statistics show that breastfed babies have a much lower risk of upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections and allergies. Children that are breastfed also have a reduced risk of juvenile diabetes and obesity. There are many maternal benefits as well. Women who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, postpartum bleeding and faster uterine involution after delivery.

The bottom line that breast IS best.

Talk with your doctor and arrange to enroll in a prenatal breastfeeding class.