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Breastfeeding is giving human breast milk to infants to meet their nutritional needs. See also: Breastfeeding tips Overcoming breastfeeding problems Breastfeeding mothers - self-care Formula feeding Age-appropriate diet for children
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Also known as nursing, the practice of providing an infant or toddler with nutrition from mother ' s milk via direct sucking on the breast. Breastfeeding has nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits for the child, as well as physiological and emotional benefits for the mother.
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Your baby is born with an instinct for suckling. But it takes time for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed. There are steps you can take to support your baby’s natural instincts.
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Lactation refers to the formation of milk in the breasts during the period following childbirth . Breastfeeding is the process of the infant obtaining milk by suckling at the breast.
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Breastfeeding can seem mysterious at first. In fact, mothers and babies are naturally designed for breastfeeding.
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The first weeks of breastfeeding may be the most challenging. It’s normal to have fears and questions. Don’t worry. The two of you will learn what you need to know together.
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Lactation is the medical term for breastfeeding, a natural method of feeding an infant from birth to the time he or she can eat solid food. Human milk contains the ideal amount of nutrients for the infant, and provides important protection from diseases through the mother ' s natural defenses.
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Before 1900, most mothers breastfed their infants. Breastfeeding rates declined sharply worldwide after 1920, when evaporated cow ' s milk and infant formula became widely available.
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When you have a new little person in your life, it’s easy to forget about yourself. There are new demands on your time. But it’s important to take care of yourself as well as your baby.
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Comfort and position are two keys to successful breastfeeding. Learn how to correctly position your baby at the breast. Choose the hold that works best for both of you. You may need to change holds as the baby grows.
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Experts agree: Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies during the first year of life and beyond. It’s healthy for Mom, too.
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REMEMBER: alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs also affect your breast milk and your baby.
Your body needs fuel to make breast milk, so eat your fill of a variety of foods. Breastfeeding isn’t an excuse to eat and drink everything you want, but it’s not a reason to avoid favorite foods either.
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Nipple problems can include tenderness or discharge from the nipple portion of the breast. (See also intraductal papilloma .)
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