Breastfeeding has many benefits

Donna Wilcox, nurse manager, NICU

Ball Memorial Hospital

Q. What are the benefits for my baby if I breastfeed?

A. There are many benefits when it comes to breastfeeding your baby. Perhaps one of the most important reasons to breastfeed is because human milk is made for human babies. Special nutrients in your milk that change as the baby grows are exactly what your baby needs! Because it is your baby, your milk naturally provides essential antibodies that will help protect your baby from infections. Breastfed babies also have a less significant chance of developing diabetes, childhood obesity and allergies. Breast milk is also easily and quickly digested by your baby’s stomach and has factors that promote the best development of your baby’s organs, especially the eyes and brain.

Q. What are the benefits for me if I breastfeed my baby?

A. Breastfeeding burns many calories. This may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. Breastfeeding also releases hormones in your body to reduce bleeding after delivery and to reduce the uterus to the size it was before pregnancy. It is no secret that women are at risk for certain types of cancer. By breastfeeding you can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. It can also help to keep your bones strong, which helps protect you from factures in older age. Another benefit to breastfeeding is that it saves you time and money.

Q. How do I learn more about breastfeeding?

A. Ball Memorial Hospital offers breastfeeding classes and a lactations support clinic that is available seven days a week from 8:00am to 4:00pm. BMH also offers a mother-baby support group (Mom-Baby Connection) that meets weekly, on Tuesday, at 1:00pm. For more information on breastfeeding or to schedule a class, call (765) 741-1073. You can also visit the BMH Birthing Center online at www.accesschs.org or talk with your healthcare provider.

Donna Wilcox is the nurse manager for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ball Memorial Hospital. Contact her at info@chsmail.org.

Learn more about BMH's NICU

If you have a question regarding this article, email info@chsmail.org.

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