The importance of breastfeeding is celebrated around the world during World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. This week is also recognized as National WIC Breastfeeding Week with free events open to the public. For a list of events throughout the month of August hosted by New York State WIC agencies. To view a video for creating breastfeeding-friendly communities. Why is Breastfeeding Important? Choosing how to feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new parent. Breastfeeding is a gift that only you can give your baby.

1. Breastfeeding Questions Answered A Guide For Providers

Breastfeeding Questions Answered A Guide For Providers

A Guide for Providers. This guide answers questions that women often ask about breastfeeding. Practicing Breastfeeding. Is it important to start breastfeeding.

Your baby will feel safe and secure, and you will provide a healthy start for your baby's life. You can count on WIC! The NYS WIC Program wants to help you make breastfeeding easy and comfortable for you and your baby. We have breastfeeding counselors and peer counselors (mothers who help other mothers) in our clinics who can answer any questions you have about breastfeeding. WIC is here for you! For Breastfeeding Mothers Going Back to Work It will be easier for you to continue breastfeeding if you plan ahead, know what to expect, and develop breastfeeding plans.

If possible, return to work gradually; this allows time to adjust and helps your body make a good supply of milk. Talk with your supervisor about different options that may be available to you. For Employers Employees are more likely to return to work when their workplace provides a supportive environment for continued breastfeeding. Companies who keep their employees after childbirth have the benefit of eliminating the time and cost of hiring and training replacement staff. Providing a supportive work environment for breastfeeding employees improves your employee health benefit package and helps protect your company's investment. For Health Care Providers Breastfeeding moms need support from their doctors too. If you're a health care provider and would like to know more about how you can help your patients who are breastfeeding moms, find out more here.

Start by getting comfortable. Support yourself with pillows if needed. Then cradle your baby close to your breast — rather than learning forward to bring your breast to your baby. Support the baby's head with one hand and support your breast with the other hand. Tickle your baby's lower lip with your nipple to encourage your baby's mouth to open wide. He or she will take in part of the darker area around the nipple (areola). Your nipple will be far back in the baby's mouth, and the baby's tongue will be cupped under your breast.

Look and listen for a rhythmic sucking and swallowing pattern. If you need to remove the baby from your breast, first release the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth. For the first few weeks, most newborns breast-feed every two to three hours round-the-clock. Watch for early signs of hunger, such as stirring, restlessness, sucking motions and lip movements. Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly, until your breast feels soft — typically about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set time.

Then try burping the baby. After that, offer the second breast. If your baby's still hungry, he or she will latch on. If not, simply start the next breast-feeding session with the second breast.

If your baby consistently nurses on only one breast at a feeding during the first few weeks, pump the other breast to relieve pressure and protect your milk supply. Ideally, the baby should sleep in the same room as the parents for the first year of life — or at least for the first 6 months — to decrease the risk of SIDS.

This can also make feeding easier. Your baby should sleep alone in his or her own crib, bassinette or other surface designed for infants. Adult beds aren't safe for infants. A baby can become trapped and suffocate between the headboard slats, the space between the mattress and the bed frame, or the space between the mattress and the wall. A baby can also suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers the baby's nose and mouth. Some babies are happiest when they're sucking on something.

Enter pacifiers — but there's a caveat. Giving your baby a pacifier too soon might interfere with breast-feeding, since sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a pacifier.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until breast-feeding is well-established, usually three to four weeks after birth. Once you've settled into a breast-feeding routine, keep in mind that sucking on a pacifier at naptime or bedtime might reduce the risk of SIDS. After each feeding, it's OK to let the milk dry naturally on your nipple. The milk can soothe your nipples. If you're in a hurry, gently pat your nipple dry. If your breasts leak between feedings, use bra pads — and change them often. When you bathe, minimize the amount of soap, shampoo and other cleansers that might contact your nipples.

If your nipples are dry or cracked, use purified lanolin (such as Lansinoh or Tender Care Lanolin) after each feeding. This can soothe cracked nipples, as well as help your nipples retain moisture. Your lifestyle choices are just as important when you're breast-feeding as they were when you were pregnant. For example:. Eat a healthy diet. To keep up your energy, stick to healthy-eating basics, such as choosing plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Your health care provider might recommend taking a daily multivitamin as well. Drink plenty of fluids.

Water, juice and milk can help you stay hydrated. Moderate amounts of caffeine are generally considered OK as well — but scale back if you suspect that too much caffeine is interfering with your baby's sleep. If you have an alcoholic drink, avoid breast-feeding for two hours afterward. Rest as much as possible. If you can, sleep when the baby sleeps.

Don't smoke. Smoking during breast-feeding exposes babies to nicotine, which can interfere with your baby's sleep, as well as risks a cigarette burn to the baby.

Secondhand smoke also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as well as respiratory illnesses. Be cautious with medication. Many medications are safe to take while you're breast-feeding.

Still, it's best to get your health care provider's OK first. If you have a chronic health condition, ask your health care provider if it's OK to breast-feed your baby. SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Expansion of recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Wambach K, et al.

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