Breastfeeding Questions & Answers

Benefits of Breastfeeding  Breastfeeding Growth Chart for Boys  Breastfeeding Growth Chart for Girls  Breast Infections  Breast milk Collection and Storage  Breast Pump Comparison  Buying or Selling a Used Breast pump  Cracked Nipples  Engorgement  Feeding Frequency Growth Spurts Increasing Milk Supply  Introducing the Bottle  Latching On  Medications & Mother's Milk  Breast Milk Intake  Nursing Mother's Diet  Plugged Milk Ducts  Positioning Baby at the Breast  Starting Solids  Sleepy Baby  Sore Nipples  Yeast/Thrush

Engorgement

If you are experiencing difficulty with breast pain or latch-on 3 to 5 days postpartum, it is probably due to engorgement.  Advil is safe for breastfeeding and contains an anti-inflammatory that may reduce some swelling and discomfort.  Your best friend during this time is a hot compress.  Turn the tap water and let it run until hot.  Take two disposable baby diaper and swipe it under the tap three or four times.  Mold the diapers around your breast.   Repeat this procedure before each feeding.  Commercial hot packs are also available, but the diapers work just as well so you may want to save your money for a good breast pump.  If the areola is still too hard for the baby to grasp, use a quality breast pump for three to five minutes before latching the baby on.  If the baby goes to sleep before emptying the breast, finish pumping afterward.  Take heart!  Engorgement only lasts for 48-72 hours.

Sore Nipples

Early onset of nipple soreness can be due to a number of things.  Poor positioning, poor latch-on, not breaking the suction properly, bras and pads that aren't cotton or changed infrequently, or bad breast pumps.   Make sure that the baby's ear, shoulder, and hips are aligned.  Make sure the baby has 1 - 1 1/2" of the areola in his/her mouth.  Make sure you break the suction when you take the baby off the breast by releasing the seal with your finger.  Keep the baby from slipping down by supporting the breast during the entire feeding.  Use a firm pillow or nursing pillow to the baby's body from becoming too heavy to hold.  Air dry the nipples after each feeding.  Use expressed milk or hospital grade lanolin sparingly on sore spots.  Comfortgel pads can also be used to speed healing.  Use only 100% cotton or paper, breathable nursing pads and change them frequently.  Nipples may still be uncomfortable for a few seconds after latch-on, but they should be getting better daily.

Cracked Nipples

If nipples are cracked or bleeding, follow the steps above for sore nipples, but use breast shells to keep the skin from pulling away when you change bra pads.  A little blood won't hurt the baby because breast milk is blood product.  A new product is now available that had been used to treat burn victims in the past.  These Comfortgel pads are extremely helpful in healing wounded nipples.

Milk Supply

Your body makes milk on a supply and demand basis.  We don't need ounce markers on the side of our breasts, to know the baby is getting enough.  When your baby is first born, his wet diapers should increase daily.  On day one, he should have at least one, day two, he should have two, up until day six.  After six days of age, they have six to eight pale wet diapers daily and three to four "cottage cheese and mustard" stools.  Other ways we can tell the baby is getting enough milk is that he makes quiet swallowing sounds at the breast. The breast feel full before the feeding and softer afterward.    The baby seems satisfied after twenty minutes of swallowing.  Babies may loose 7-10% of their birth weight, but begin regaining at day 6 and gain 5-7 ounces per week on the average until 6 months of age.  The stools can change at 4-6 weeks of age.  See growth spurts.  Make sure you are drinking to thirst and still taking your prenatal vitamins.  If you want a boost increasing milk supply, Fenugreek is safe and effective.  It increases milk supply in about 48 hours.  Blessed thistle and Mother's Milk Tea can also be helpful in milk production.  Click on links below for more info on the most widely used of this herbs, Fenugreek.

Fenugreek:  One Remedy for Milk Production by Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS

Fenugreek:  Overlooked but not Forgotten by Rima Jensen, MD

Growth Spurts

You can almost set your watch by a baby's growth spurt.  The first one occurs anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks of age.  The following ones come at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.  When babies go through growth spurts, their feeding times change from every two to three hours to every hour on the hour.  You just finish feeding them and they go rooting around again and act like they are starving.  During the 3 week growth spurt, you can definitely see that the baby is pooping 4+ times daily and having lots of wet diapers.  What goes in, must come out, so we know the baby is getting enough.  The 6 week growth spurt can really floor you because at that time their digestive system matures and they have fewer dirty diapers.  Some babies only have one every 3-5 days.  Don't dismay, you can still tell he/she has plenty of fluids by the fact that the baby is still having six to eight wet diapers daily.  The three month and six month growth spurts are pretty typical.  Growth spurts usually only last 5 days if you don't interfere with imposed schedules and supplements.  Make sure to keep drinking to thirst and taking your prenatal vitamins.  If you want a boost for your milk supply, try Fenugreek.

Bottles

Waiting until you baby is three to four weeks old to start a bottle is the best way to get him/her to learn to suckle the breast first.  When you do begin a bottle, use your own expressed milk as not to interfere with your milk supply and use a silicone bottle nipple that doesn't have a smell and taste.  Choose a slow flow nipple.  To calculate how much to put in a bottle, see our chart under milk intake.  Make sure to express you milk if you skip a feeding.  The rule of thumb for a baby under six months of age is to pump every three hours with a pump that imitates you baby's suck cycle.  After six months, if your baby is on solids, you would only need to pump twice on an eight hour workday instead of three times. 

Plugged Milk Ducts

Plugged milk ducts feel like a pebble or a pea under the skin or areola.  They are best treated with hot compresses, breast massage during feeding , and pumping after the feeding.  Place the baby's chin toward the plug if possible, massage from behind the plug towards the nipple, and pump for ten minutes after each nursing until resolved.  Make sure you are not wearing a nursing bra that is too tight or that has an under wire pushing into your milk ducts.

Breast Infections

Mastitis is an infection of the breast usually following an untreated plugged milk duct.  Watch for chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms.  Use the same techniques as for a plugged milk duct and call the doctor for an antibiotic.  If you have been wearing tight-fitting or under wire bras, treat yourself to a supportive nursing bra that won't plug your milk ducts.    Remember...heat, rest, empty the breast.  

Sleepy Baby

This is a common concern for newborn infants.  First I would take a look at any painkillers you are taking.  Pain medication from the hospital can cause the baby to be sleepy.  Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are all safe for breastfeeding and will not make the baby sleepy.  Next, be aggressive.  New moms tend to be very gentle, but newborns don't always know when they are hungry, so you have to wake them up every two to three hours with no more than one five hour stretch in any 24 hour period.  Techniques for waking a baby include, stripping him/her down to a diaper, using the clutch/football hold so the baby is more upright, washing their face before nursing, changing their diaper, rubbing their hands, face, feet, or back.  My personal favorite is alternate breast massage.  As soon as the baby stops sucking or swallowing and begins to fall asleep.  Massage the breast from underneath towards the nipple.  This wiggles the nipple and "milks" the breast into the baby's, reminding him or her to start nursing again. 

Breast milk Collection and Storage

Before beginning collection of breast milk, always wash your hands.  Make sure the pump parts that will touch the milk are sterile (can be sterilized in the top rack of the dishwasher, a microwave sterilizer or boiling water for 5-10 minutes).  After pumping store milk in 2-4 oz increments to reduce waste.  Pump directly into hard plastic or glass bottles that you will seal with a solid or ring and disk lid or freezer bags that are specifically designed for storing mothers' milk.  Breast milk is good at room temperature for 6-10 hours, refrigerator for 5-7 days, freezer for 3-6 months and deep freeze for 6-12 months.  Make sure to freeze refrigerated milk within 24 hours if you are not going to use it within the 5-7 day time frame.  Refrigerate milk immediately if you are not going to use it within the 6-10 hours that it is good at room temperature.  Never refreeze breast milk or put milk back in the fridge.   Never put milk on the stove or in the microwave.  To thaw or warm, simply place the milk in warm water.  To determine more closely how much breast milk to put in each bottle for a baby who is less than six months old, take the baby's weight and multiply by 2.5.  Then divide by the number of feeding per day.  After the age of six months, the baby needs 24-32 oz per day which is approximately 5-6 oz per feeding 5-6 times per day.

Positioning Baby at the Breast

To position baby at the breast make sure that the baby's body is turned in to mother.  For example, in the cradle hold, the baby would be tummy to tummy with mom so that he/she doesn't have to turn his/her head to swallow.  The baby's ear, shoulder, and hips should be in a straight line.  Use a pillow and stool to make sure baby is at breast level.

Foods to Avoid

There is no set list of foods that every nursing mother should/should not eat.  Some baby's however are more sensitive to certain gassy foods especially in the early weeks or months.  If you are experiencing a gassy baby, look for correlations when the baby is gassy and you have eaten these foods in the last 24 hours:  green leafy vegetables, broccoli, tomato or sauce, citrus juices or fruit.  If you cut out these foods temporarily, the baby should feel relief in the next 24 hours if that food was the culprit.  If the problem is dairy products, you won't find relief for 10 days to 2 weeks.  

Starting Solids

Solids should not be started until the age of six months in most cases.  Waiting until this age greatly reduces the incidence of allergies.  Developmental phases should also be taken into consideration.  The baby should not only have doubled his/her birth weight, but should be sitting alone without support.  Readiness signs include grasping at the parents plate or food.  Breast milk is still the main source of nutrition so always breastfeed immediately before offering solids as to ensure a healthy milk supply and a healthy appetite for the superior breast milk.

Latching On

After positioning the baby properly (see Positioning Baby at Breast), make sure that your hands are supporting the breast with your thumb on top and the rest of your fingers near the chest wall, well behind the areola.  If you can't tell where your fingers are, practice your breast hold in front of a mirror before you start.  Then tickle down in the same direction towards the baby's chin until the baby opens wide like a yawn or a cry.  Make sure the baby's tongue is down and then bring the baby to the breast swiftly.  

Buying or Selling a Used Breast Pump?

The issue of buying or selling used pumps is something some breastfeeding moms encounter. Although a used pump may be more affordable than a new one, there are possible legal and health implications involved. Below you will find more on the legality of selling used breast pumps, what some pump manufacturers say about used pumps.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a used pump, we urge you to read over this information before making your decision.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Position on used breast pumps:
According to the FDA, if a breast pump is labeled a "single user" or "single patient" device, that pump is only intended for one user and cannot legally be resold. By selling a pump that has been designated "single user" by the FDA, the pump is not being used in accordance with the FDA and is being "mis-branded," which is against the law, and the FDA could take action.

The reason the FDA designates many breast pumps as "single user" devices, is that there is no complete way to clean certain pumps to ensure that the breast milk of the original user is not still within the pump system. Because some diseases have been shown to exist in breast milk, the possibility of transmitting diseases through a used breast pump does exist, although it appears that no such cases have been documented.

To find out if your breast pump has been designated "single user" by the FDA, please consult the operating instructions that came with the breast pump when you purchased it.

Here are some common breast pumps that are labeled "single user" devices:  Isis Breast Pump by Avent,
The Ameda ^® Purely Yours Breast pump,  WhisperWear^® Breast pump, The Medela Pump In Style^® Breast pump
Some breast pumps that are not labeled "single user" devices:
Medela Classic^™ Breast pump
Medela Lactina^® Breast pump
Ameda Lact-E ^® Breast pump
Ameda Elite^® Breast pump

Breast pumps purchased at department stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Babies R Us, Baby Depot, etc.) baby stores and maternity stores are often "single user" breast pumps. Pumps that are designated by the FDA to be safe for multiple users are generally hospital grade breast pumps and often used specifically as rental pumps.

If you have a breast pump you are considering selling, please consult the product information first, to be sure the pump is not labeled "single user." And, if you are considering buying a used breast pump, please determine whether or not the pump is a "single user" pump before purchasing it. You could ask the seller to check the product information to be sure.


Medela's Position:
Many mothers have asked if they can safely sell, purchase, or use a previously owned breast pump. Medela is concerned about the health and welfare of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding is certainly the best way to feed your baby, and is the gold standard of infant nutrition. There is some evidence, however, that certain serious viruses* may be transmittable through breast milk. For this reason, it is not advisable to use a previously owned breast pump. Breast pumps are single-user products, or personal care items, much like a toothbrush, and are registered with the FDA as single user items.

For safety, breast pumps should never be shared, resold, or lent among mothers. Medela strongly discourages mothers from re-using or re-selling previously owned breast pump equipment. The Medela Pump In Style^® Breast pump has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be totally dismissed. Multiple use of single-user breast pump automatically voids the warranty of the Medela product. Each mother who wishes to express milk with a pump should use a clean, uncontaminated breast pump. This is the safest way to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.

Rental pumps such as the Ameda Lact-E and Elite as well as the Medela Classic^™ and Lactina^® pumps are made to be safely used by repeated clients who each use their own clean personal rental kit, therefore avoiding any possible cross-contamination. Rental pumps, when used according to the instructions, are safe to use by multiple mothers who have their own personal kits.  Ameda has the only personal pump kit approved by the FDA.

We are invested in continuing health and safety of mothers and babies. Many mothers who wish or need to express milk regularly find that using a high quality breast pump can help avoid the costly alternative of using artificial baby milk, which sometimes approaches or exceeds $1000 for the first year of baby's life. Mothers who pump frequently may find that the cost of a high quality breast pump, when compared to the price of artificial baby milk is reasonable, and a wise investment in the present and future health of their children and themselves.

1. *It is believed by some physicians and researchers that human breast milk can possibly contain viruses if the mother is infected. Such viruses may include CMV (Cytomegalovirus), HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), and HTLV-1 (Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1.)

1. Ruth A. Lawrence, MD, Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession
(St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1999), pp. 225.


Avent America's Position:
We at Avent America are always striving to provide mothers with quality products at reasonable prices to help them breastfeed longer. Research has shown that breast milk can transmit many contagious viruses. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend that you NEVER use a previously owned breast pump. The Isis Breast Pump is considered to be a personal care item and has been designed to be for single use only. Mothers should never share breast pumps. Sharing or using a previously owned breast pump could put you and your baby at a potential risk for exposure to serious health risks.

Some of the viruses that can be within breast milk are:

• HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS)
• HTLV-1 Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I
• CMV - Cytomegalovirus

When you are using a previously owned breast pump you create the risk of cross contamination. It is for this reason that AVENT AMERICA STRONGLY SUGGESTS NEVER USING, BORROWING, PURCHASING OR SELLING A PREVIOUSLY USED/PRE-OWNED BREAST PUMP.

Since a mother's breast milk is the most precious gifts of nutrition/health she can give her baby, DON'T take the chance of sharing someone else's viruses with your baby.   Quality affordable breast pumps can be purchased for less than the cost of two months worth of formula.

Feeding Frequency

Babies under the age of six months will normally nurse every 2-3 hours from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next which is usually 8-10 times per day.  During growth spurts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, they will up their feedings to 10-12 times per day.  Between 6 and 12 months, babies will normally feed 4 or 5 times daily.

Milk Intake

Breast milk intake depends on the age and weight of that baby.  Below is a chart for babies under six months.  Use these numbers if you are expressing a bottle for work or other times away from baby.  Divide the second number below by the number of feedings your baby takes if it is a number other than 8.  This is only an average amount.  You may adjust to the next ounce, but usually not more than that.  Babies over six months who are on solid foods three times daily still need 24-32 oz per day which is either five and six ounces if you expressing for a cup or bottle.

Yeast/Thrust

Vaginal yeast infections are something every woman wants to avoid.  Mothers may get yeast infections on their nipples as well if the conditions are right for yeast to overgrow.  Antibiotics are the culprit in many situations.  If you find yourself on an antibiotic for any reason or if your baby has thrush, it is important to protect yourself from a yeast infection by limiting wheat, refined sugar, honey and of course alcohol in your diet.  Acidophilus is a supplement that can be helpful in maintaining normal intestinal flora.  If you do get a yeast infection on your nipples, symptoms may include a red "sunburned" area around the nipple covering part of the areola, white bumps on this nipple or areola, OR you may have neither of these visible signs, but you have sharp shooting burning pains even in-between
feedings, not just when the baby latches on.  Healing always necessitates that you and the baby are treated simultaneously.  If the pediatrician has prescribed oral Nystatin for oral thrush or Nystatin cream for a yeast diaper rash, these products can be used on your nipple as well.  Diflucan may be prescribed by your OBGYN or family doctor, but if you have topical symptoms, treat them as well with cream or Gentian Violet.  If you are using over-the counter-medications, Monistat cream can be used on your nipples after the baby nurses and on the baby's bottom.  The baby's mouth would need to be treated with Gentian Violet which is a purple substance obtained at a pharmacy.  It usually comes in 1% solution, but need to be diluted to .5% by using half Gentian Violet and half water.  If using Gentian Violet, it is not necessary to use another product on the same area.  Paint the baby's mouth or your nipples with the diluted solution.  Wait for the purple to disappear before re-applying.  Do not apply more than three times!  If you are using a cream instead, you may want to rince the nipples in a glass bowl filled with warm water and a tablespoon of vinegar.  

To prevent yeast from re-occurring:

• Do not freeze breastmilk for later use.  Spores with become active again when defrosted.
• Use breathable disposable bra pads like the La Leche League Disposable pads.  Most other brands are not 100% paper and will greenhouse the yeast.  Change them with every feeding.
• Boil plastic items like bottle nipples, bottles, and breast pump parts with each use.  Use as few of these items at this time as possible because they will need to be replaced near the end of your treatment.
• Treat both mom and baby until both no longer exhibit symptoms.  Then treat for three days after that point to prevent recurrence.  During this time, discard and replace bottle nipples, breast pump parts that touch the milk, plastic bottles, pacifiers, etc.
• Never loan out your breast pump or use someone else's used personal breast pump.  It is just like sharing underwear, a toothbrush or a swimsuit!
• Take Acidophilus, eat plain vanilla yogurt, limit refined sugar, wheat, honey and alcohol in your diet for two weeks after yeast infection.

Medications

Many medications are safe for breastfeeding and alternatives are usually available for those that are not so it is unusual to have to stop breastfeeding due to a short term drug regimen.  Thomas Hale, PHD is the foremost authority on medications and mothers milk and his book is vital for nursing mothers and health care professionals alike.   This information is intended for reference only and is in no way to take the place of the individualized care of a qualified physician.  If copying this information for publication, please include references at the bottom and a link to our web site:  www.lactationconnection.com 

We are listing some common medications which are approved by the AAP for use in breastfeeding mothers:

ACNE - Clindamycin (topical), Erythromycin (oral)

ALLERGIC RHINITIS - Triprolidine

ANESTHETIC - Bupivacaine, Fentanyl, Halothane, Ketorolac, Lidocaine, Lorazepam, Metoclopramide, Morphine, Thiopental Sodium

ANGINA PECTORIS - Metoprolol, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Verapamil

ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY - Warfarin

ANXIETY DISORDERS - Clomipramine, Propranolol

ASTHMA - Terbutaline, Theophylline, Methylprednisolone

BIPOLAR DISORDER - Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid, Verapamil

CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS - Atenolol, Digoxin, Disopyramide, Lidocaine, Metoprolol, Mexiletine HCL, Phenytoin, Procainamide,  Propranolol, Quinidine, Sotalol, Verapamil, Warfarin

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - Captopril, Digoxin, Enalapril Maleate, Hydralazine, Metoprolol, Nifedipine, Verapamil

CONJUNCTIVITIS - Ceftriaxone, Erythromiacin, Tetracycline (short term)

CONTRACEPTION - Levonorgestrel

COUGH - Cisapride, Codeine

DEPRESSION - Clomipramine

DIABETES - Tolbutamide

FEVER - Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX - Cisapride

GLAUCOMA - Acetazolamide, Timolol

HEADACHE/PAIN, GENERAL - Acetaminophen, Codeine, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

HYPERTENSION - Atenolol, Captopril, Enalapril Maleate, Hydralazine, Labetalol, Metaprolol, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Sotalol, Verapamil

HYPERTHYROIDISM - Methimazole, Proprnolol, Propylthiouracil,

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

     Acute Sinusitis -  Amoxicillin+ Clavulanate, Cefprozil, Co-Trimoxazole

     Chlamydia - Erythromycin

     Gonorrhea - Ceftriaxone

     Herpes Simplex - Acyclovir

     Lyme Disease - Amoxicilin, Ceftriaxone, Penicillin G

     Malaria - Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Quinidine, Quinine

     Salmonellosis - Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Co-Trimoxazole

     Tuberculosis - Cycloserine, Ethambutol, Isoniazid, Rifampin, Streptomycin

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - Prednisone, 

INSUFFICIENT MILK SUPPLY - Metoclopramide, Domperidone

LOW BACK PAIN - Acetaminophen, Codeine, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

MASTITIS - Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin

METABOLIC BONE DISEASE - Fluoride, Vitamin D

MIGRAINE - Butorphanol, Ketorolac, Metoprolol, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Valproic Acid, Verapamil

MUSCLE SPASTICITY - Quinine

NIPPLE VASOSPASM - Captopril, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, Terbutaline

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE - Ceftriaxone, Cefoxitin

PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE - Amoxicillin, Tetracycline (short term)

RADIOPAQUE/RADIOCONTRAST AGENTS - Trade names:  Conray, Chlolebrine, Telepaque, Oragrafin, Bilivist, Hypaque, Gastrografin, Renovue-Dip, Angiovist, Optiray

RADIOACTIVE PROCEDURES - The following are approved with temporary cessation of breastfeeding:  Technetium-99M Pertechnetate (pump and dump for 24 hours), Iodine 123 (pump and dump for 24 hours), Thallium 201 (pump and dump for 2 weeks)

RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON - Catopril, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, Terbutaline

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - Hydroxychloroquine, Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Piroxicam, Prednisone

ROSACEA - Clindamycin lotion/gel, Erythromycin, Tetracycline (short term)

SEIZURE DISORDERS - Carbamazepine, Ethosuximide, Phenitoin, Valproic Acid

URINARY TRACT INFECTION - Trimethoprim

VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM - Warfarin, .

A list of drugs which are usually contraindicated in lactating women follows:

Amiodarone

Antineoplastic Agents

Chloramphenicol

Ergotamine

Gold Salts

Lithium

Phenindione

Radiopharmaceuticals

Retinoids

Tetracyclines (chronic use over three weeks may cause infant bone changes)

Pseudoephedrine (preliminary unpublished studies indicate inhibition of prolactin and milk production)

References:  Clinical Therapy in Breastfeeding Patients, Thomas W Hale, PHD; Medications and Mother's Milk 10th Edition, Thomas W Hale, PHD

Growth Chart, Girls Birth - 36 Months

The Center for Disease came out with growth charts for 2000 that include breastfed babies!  Previous charts were based on only formula fed girls.  To print this growth chart, print page 13 of this file.

Growth Chart, Boys Birth - 36 Months

The Center for Disease came out with growth charts for 2000 that include breastfed babies!  Previous charts were based only on formula fed  boys.  To print this growth chart, print page 15 of this file.

Reasons/Benefits to Breastfeeding

This is a condensed version of 101 Reasons to Breastfeed, written by Leslie Burby for those of us with too little time.   For the full version along with explanation and references, visit promom.org.

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it
2. Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby
3. Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs
4. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
5. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
6. Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer in later life
7. Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
   Need we say more?
9. Breast milk helps pass meconium
10. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system.
11. Breast milk is more digestible than formula
12. Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
13. Baby's suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
14. Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
15. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
16. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it
17. Breastfeeding protects against Crohn's disease (intestinal disorder)
18. Formula feeding increases risk of baby developing type I (juvenile, insulin-dependent) diabetes
19. Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers
20. Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis
21. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer
22. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing endometrial cancer
23. Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies
24. Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
25. Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)
26. Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (S.I.D.S.)
27. Breastfeeding protects baby against diarrheal infections
28. Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis
29. Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections
30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
31. Breastfeeding decreases chances of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
32. Breastfeeding decreases child's chances of contracting Hodgkins disease
33. Breastfeeding protects baby against vision defects
34. Breastfeeding decreases chances of osteoporosis
35. Breast milk is aids in proper intestinal development
36. Cows milk is an intestinal irritant
37. Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
38. Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding
39. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis
40. Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria
41. Breastfed babies require shorter pre and post-surgical fasting
42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
43. Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
44. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis
45. Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive
46. Breastfeeding is easier than using formula
47. Breast milk is free
48. Formula is expensive (approx $120/mo)
49. Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of dollars
50. Breast milk is always the right temperature
51. Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein
52. Breast milk acts like a natural tranquilizer for baby
53. Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for mom
54. Breast milk tastes better than formula
55. Breastfed babies are healthier over-all
56. Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday
57. Breastfed babies require fewer doctor visits
58. Breastfeeding mothers spend less time and money on doctor visits
59. Fewer waste packaging products
60. No bottles to tote:  Have milk will travel.
61. Less cow induced global greenhouse gasses
62. No need to refrigerate
63. Cows milk is designed for baby cows
64. Human milk is designed for baby humans
65. Natural pain relief for baby
66. Perfect food for sick baby
67. More sleep for mom
68. More sleep for baby
69. More sleep for dad
70. Less equipment to maintain and store
71. Less equipment to buy
72. Breast milk has never been recalled
73. Fresh breast milk is never contaminated with bacteria
74. No need to worry about which brand is better
75. No need to worry about adding contaminated water
76. Breastfeeding helps reduce cruelty to farm animals
77. Facilitates proper dental and jaw development
78. Breastfed babies get fewer cavities
79. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
80. Better speech development
81. Less chance of baby getting eczema
82. Breastfed babies have great skin
83. Less gastrointestinal reflux (Spit-up)
84. Easier to clean spit-up stains
85. Breast milk contains no genetically engineered materials
86. Breast Milk contains no synthetic growth hormones
87. Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life
88. Less chance of inguinal hernia
89. Better cognitive development
90. Better social development
91. Decreased risk of baby developing urinary tract infections
92. Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination
93. Protects mothers against anemia (iron deficiency)
94. Less money spent on menstrual supplies for mom
95. Self confidence booster for mom
96. Breast milk may help combat eye infections
97. Breast milk may be a good natural antibiotic for wounds
98. No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula
99. Much nicer diaper changes
100. Breastfed babies smell fantastic.
101. It's what breasts were designed for!

     Breast pump Comparison Chart

     Photo of Double Breast Pump    (Click on image for purchase info.)	Brand/Name	Automatic Cycles Per Minute/ Duration of pump session.	Warranty	Power Sources	Cost	*Manufacturer Information
     	Medela Pump In Style	60 cycles Takes 10-15 min.	1 yr	AC Included	$249-$319	Medela            (Est. 1979)   Does not allow this product to be discounted.
     	Ameda Purely Yours	60 cycles Takes 10-15 min.	1 yr	AC/Battery Included Optional Car Adapter	$159-$229* Best Value!	Ameda (Est. 1951)    Allows discounts.
     	Medela DoubleSelect Recommended for at home moms only.	32 cycles Takes 20-25 minutes.	90 days	Electric	$159-$169	Medela            (Est. 1979)
     	WhisperWear Double	60 cycles Takes 10-15 min.	1 year	Battery Capabilty Included  Optional Car/AC adapters	$197-$219	WhisperWear (Est. 2002)  Allows discounts.

     Photo of Single Breast Pump    (Click on image for purchase info.)	Brand/Name	Automatic Cycles Per Minute/ Duration of pump session	Warranty	Power Sources	Cost	Manufacturer/ Aditional Features
     	Medela        Single Deluxe	32 cycles per minute Takes 20-30 minutes.	90 days	AC/Battery No Car Option	$79	Medela No
     	WhisperWear Single	60 cycles per minute	1 year	Battery Optional Car/AC adapters	$99-$109	WhisperWear Microprocessor Technology for variable cyles.   Cooler bag included.
     	Medela        Harmony	Manual	90 days	Manual	$25-50	Medela No
     	Avent Isis	Manual	90 days	Manual	$38-50	Avent Models in this price range available with disposable nurser or On-The-Go Bag.
     	Avent Isis IQ Uno or Duo Breast Pumps	Infinite Speed and Suction Settings	1 year	Manual and Electric	$149-$349 Latest Tech-nology!	Avent Electronic Memory learns your preferred rhythm.  Combines the comfort of the Isis breast pump with the convenience of an electric pump.

Pumps not listed here are not generally recommeded by Lactation Consultants including but not limited to the Playtex Embrace, Bailey Nurture III, Whittlestone Breast Expresser, Medela Swing and others.