Benefits of Breastfeeding

What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is good for mom and baby because…

• It improves baby’s health and well being
• It allows mom and baby to bond
• It’s free, mom doesn’t have to spend money on expensive formula
• It reduces medical bills

Breastfeeding benefits mom by:

• Preventing excessive bleeding
• Releasing hormones into mom’s body that help her relax
• Lowering risk of breast cancer
• Allowing mom to take less sick days off of work

Breastfeeding benefits baby by:

• Providing the perfect food for your baby’s growth and development
• Digesting easily in the baby’s belly
• Reducing the chance of infections and illness
• Protecting baby against obesity, diarrhea, and respiratory illness
• Preventing the development of allergies
• Decreasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding Initiation at The BirthPlace

UCLA is proud to be a part of improving the health of mothers and infants. We encourage and support new mothers with breastfeeding information during and after their hospital stay. Breastfeeding is the first step to a healthy life and forms a natural and lasting bond between mother and child. The more a mother breastfeeds, the greater will be the benefits to mother and baby. For this reason, UCLA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) highly recommend that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding together with healthy foods is recommended to continue as long as mother and baby desire.

UCLA is ranked among the top 2 hospitals in Los Angeles County for exclusive in-hospital breastfeeding.

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center - 96% for any breastfeeding and 82% for exclusive breastfeeeding

UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica - 96% for any breastfeeding and 75% for exclusive breastfeeding

Breastfeeding FAQ's

I have small breasts. Will I be able to make enough milk for my baby?

Breast size does not determine milk production, but breastfeeding does! Putting baby to breast early and often stimulates your milk production. Women with small breasts can make just as much milk as women with large breasts.

I had a lot of difficulty breastfeeding my first baby. Is it even worth trying this time around?

Each baby is different. If you had problems once, it's always worth trying again. Ask your healthcare provider about resources for expectant moms, including classes, support groups, and private consultations with a lactation consultant.

I'll have to go back to work. Should I even start breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding benefits do not end when moms go back to work. Breastfeeding will help you feel connected to your baby, even when you are away. Your job benefits, too. It has been proven that mothers who breastfeed need less time off work for sick babies. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources like breast pump rentals and support for the back-to-work transition.

A Mother's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

1. Breast is Best, but why? Learn why giving only breastmilk is best for you and your baby and why formula can cause problems. Use resources like your healthcare provider, breastfeeding support groups, and breastfeeding classes.
2. Tell the World! Let your obstetrician or midwife, family, friends, and employers know you plan to give only breastmilk and need their full support. When you arrive at the BirthPlace in labor, tell your nurse, too.
3. Hold your Baby Skin-to-Skin right after delivery. Your baby will be alert and interested in breastfeeding. The contact between you and your baby will help keep your baby warm and ease the transition to this big, bright world.
4. Room-in with your baby. This will allow you to respond more easily to your baby's cues and breastfeed as soon as your baby shows signs of hunger. Your baby will feel more connected to you, too.
5. Feed early and often. Babies who have their first feed within the first hour of life and who are fed frequently during the first few days of life breastfeed better and longer than babies who are restricted by a schedule.
6. Think ahead. If you will return to work, start with exclusive breastfeeding so that your body makes the milk your baby will need. Introduce pumping and bottles later.
7. Ask for help if you need it. Use your resources. The nurses can help you with the basics of breastfeeding and can help you position and attach your baby for feeds. Lactation consultants are also available for additional help and support.
8. Don't get discouraged if you have difficulties. Most breastfeeding problems can be easily fixed. Rely on the support of friends or family who have breastfed and use resources like our breastfeeding support groups.
9. Plan for long term. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to a year or more. Get comfortable breastfeeding away from home and make a plan for pumping when you return to work or school.
10. Get to know other breastfeeding moms. Make new friends; join a breastfeeding support group. Most importantly, have fun getting to know your baby!

Visit our Health Library for Helpful Breastfeeding Articles

Maternal Nutrition and Breastfeeding 
Women who are breastfeeding should eat a well-balanced, varied diet and drink enough liquids....

Knock Down the Hurdles to Breastfeeding
Ideally, you should breast-feed exclusively for the first six months, with a goal of continuing breast milk for at least the first year....

Breast Milk Is the Best Milk 
Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems....

Effective Breastfeeding 
Think there's only one way to breast-feed? Think again! Moms can position their babies in several positions during feeding time that can be comfortable for both....

Effective Sucking
It's important for your baby's health to be able to effectively remove milk from your breast during nursing. To do this, your baby must learn the proper way to suck. But how do you know if your baby is actually getting the nutrition he/she needs? Here's a guide to help you....

Breastfeeding: Getting Started
The first weeks of breastfeeding should be considered a learning period for both you and your baby. Don't expect to work as a coordinated team immediately....

How Milk Is Made 
Detailed information on how breast milk is made for breastfeeding...

Additional Breastfeeding Resources:

Breastfeeding Taskforce of Los Angeles: www.breastfeedla.org
La Leche League: www.laleche.org