Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Spring 2016

Breast milk is a remarkable food. It has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein that babies need. But breastfeeding offers more benefits to babies than just good nutrition. For instance, breast milk contains antibodies—something formula doesn’t have—that can boost a baby’s immune system and help protect him or her from a variety of illnesses, including ear infections, diarrhea and pneumonia. Lifelong benefits Studies suggest that the benefits of breastfeeding may last long past infancy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding may help protect babies from developing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), obesity, diabetes and some cancers. Breastfed babies may also have an advantage when they eventually enter the classroom. Breast milk contains important fatty acids that help an infant’s brain develop. And research suggests that children who were breastfed score slightly higher on IQ tests and do better in school than do kids who weren’t breastfed. Moms benefit too Breastfeeding is good for you as well as Breast milk: for your baby. For instance, your body releases hormones when you breastfeed that help you and your baby bond. Plus, the extra calories you burn while nursing can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight sooner than if you don’t nurse. Breastfeeding can also help: w w Make life easier. Not having to prepare formula saves time and money. w w Reduce your risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. It may also help reduce the risk of fractures later in life. Food for a year The longer you breastfeed, the better it is for your baby. The AAP recommends that babies get only breast milk for the first six months of their life. And they should continue to get breast milk, along with other appropriate food, until they’re at least 1 year old. But even if you can only nurse for a short time, your baby’s immune system will still benefit from breast milk. Not every woman can breastfeed her baby, of course. But for those who can, breast milk is the perfect food for baby’s first year. BREASTFEEDING CLASSES CAN HELP We encourage all new moms to breastfeed. Check out our breastfeeding class at www.bartletthospital.org or call 907-796- 8975 . The perfect food Off to a great start HEALTHY BABY 6 HouseCalls Spring 2016 We’re a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital . That means we meet the highest standards for maternity care and infant feeding.