Breastfeeding is the best thing that you can do for you and your baby. Not only does it create a lifelong bond between mother and child, but it keeps you and your baby healthy.
The nutrients and antibodies in breast milk help to protect your baby and prevent disease. Breast milk is easier for your baby to digest compared to formula, and it changes as your baby grows, giving him or her just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein.
Because breast milk protects your baby, he or she is sick less often, resulting in fewer visits to the doctor and fewer missed days from work for mom or dad.
Women who breastfeed are able to return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly and have a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression.
For more information about the benefits of breastfeeding, click on your language to download a PDF:
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If you have any questions about breastfeeding, contact our lactation consultants:
- Mercy Hospital - Tammy Kowalik, RN, IBCLC, (716) 828-2616
- Mount St. Mary's - Gina Penque, IBCLC, (716) 298-2478
- Sisters Hospital - Jennifer Scarpena, DHEd, MSN, RN, IBCLC, CHES, (716) 862-1939