Breast Feeding FAQs

Q: What are the advantages of breastfeeding?
First, we are happy to support our patients' mothers with whatever feeding choice they make. Still, breast milk has been associated with numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. To quote the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement of February 2, 2005: “Research in developed and developing countries of the world, including middle-class populations in developed countries, provides strong evidence that human milk feeding decreases the incidence and/or severity of a wide range of infectious diseases including bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, otitis media, urinary tract infection, and late-onset sepsis in preterm infants. In addition, postneonatal infant mortality rates in the United States are reduced by 21% in breastfed infants.” Also, breast milk is less expensive, breast feeding mothers have lower rates of breast cancer later on in life, and the cuddling and bonding between mother and baby can be beneficial for both.

Q: What can I do if I am having trouble or pain with breastfeeding? Where can I get help & support?
In general, it is virtually always a way to work it out so breastfeeding can be successful and without pain. Many resources are available:

• Our patients can always call our office for advice. Also:
• There are skilled lactation consultants at our three local hospitals.
• La Leche League of New York and La Leche League International have very useful web sites. You can also find local La Leche leaders through the La Leche League of Ulster County.
• Bosom Buddies in Port Ewen sells breast feeding accessories, pumps, nursing bras, etc. Run by knowledgeable and helpful lactation consultants, they are always willing to help. On 212 Broadway in Port Ewen, telephone 338-2038.

Q: My baby looks yellow, should I be concerned?
In general, whether jaundice (yellow skin color due to high levels of a substance called bilirubin in a baby's bloodstream) is a problem or not must be decided on a case by case basis. Although the overwhelming majority of cases of jaundice are completely benign, occasionally jaundice signifies or represents an urgent medical problem. We urge our patients to call us immediately if they notice jaundice.

Q: How can I tell if I'm making enough milk?
Expect to see the baby stooling and urinating frequently. Most women can also feel the breast engorged before a feed and empty after. But if you are not sure if your baby is feeding well the best thing is to weigh the baby accurately. If babies feed well they gain weight (after the first few days of life when they lose weight.) You can call for an appointment to have the baby examined and weighed at any time.

Q: The baby is sleeping more and more and eating less and less.
This downhill cycle of poor feeding, increased sleeping and poor milk production can often be avoided or reversed with vigorous, frequent attempts at feeding (such as waking for feeds, feeding every 2-3 hours until feeding is well established, etc.) Often babies like this have to be examined and weighed to determine if they are becoming dehydrated.

Q: When should I introduce cereal and other foods?
In a 2005 policy statement the American Academy of Pediatrics stated it's general recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding (no complementary foods, such as juice, water, or baby or other solid foods) for the first 6 months of life. The Academy does recognize individual differences in feeding needs and behaviors. It is acceptable that some children will begin such foods as early as 4 months or as late as 8 months.

Q: What foods should I begin with?
Most parents begin with rice cereal. For the first feed or two it is customary to "extra dilute" the cereal with breast milk or formula. It is equally acceptable to begin with other cereals, strained fruits or vegetables. Breast milk is still the most important part of nutrition, so we recommend beginning with small feeds only once or at most twice a day until the baby is older.

Q: When should I begin to give fruit juice and water?
It is our opinion that children usually do not need any fruit juice or water when they are babies. Of course, on a hot summer day or if you just want to give something extra a little water given here or there is perfectly okay. Small babies usually do fine with breastmilk and no other liquids at all.

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