Breastfeeding is good for mom and baby because…
Breastfeeding benefits mom by:
Breastfeeding benefits baby by:
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
Breastfeeding Taskforce of Los Angeles: www.breastfeedla.org
La Leche League: lllusa.org