Why Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is...easy.
Once you learn how, there is nothing easier, faster or more convenient.

Economical and efficient.
It's just right for baby — temperature, calories, immune support and nutrition are all specially tailored for each baby's feeding needs.

Ecological.
There is no recycling, cooking, mixing, washing or cleaning.

Effective.
Baby determines the end of feeding, so baby does not overeat.

Family-friendly.
Breastfeeding gives mom more time for enjoying baby, family and friends.

Questions Moms Often Ask

Is my baby getting enough milk?
The nurse will monitor this carefully and instruct you how to tell whether your baby is getting enough milk by checking wet diapers, bowel movements, positioning at the breast, and your baby's weight.

Is there a way to avoid sore nipples?
Maternity nurses are trained to help new moms with breastfeeding. Your nurse will check your baby's nursing position to make sure both of you are comfortable.

How do I know I have enough milk?
Most babies nurse eight or more times in a 24-hour period.  Frequent breastfeeding stimulates your milk to increase.Babies should have four or more wet diapers the second day and one or more bowel movements. After discharge day, babies will feed eight or more times, have three or more bowel movements and wet six or more diapers daily.

A lactation consultant is available seven days a week.

Helpful Facts

• Most moms can breastfeed.
• Prenatal breast changes occur that help prepare moms for breastfeeding.
• Newborns are ready to be put to mom's breast within an hour of their birth, even in the delivery room.
• During the first 24 hours most babies will cuddle, lick, sleep, and suck at the breast.They may need encouragement to nurse eight or more times in a 24-hour period.You are encouraged to breastfeed your newborn immediately after delivery. It is both beneficial to your baby and relaxing for you. The Labor and Delivery and Recovery room nurses will assist you. When you reach your room on the postpartum floor, your nurse will teach you about breastfeeding your newborn.
• Certified Lactation Consultants are a part of your health care team and they support the staff in teaching new families to breastfeed. Your nurse may refer you to the Lactation Consultant for special situations. Lactation help is available after discharge either via telephone or by a return visit to the Lactation Consultant. A mother's breastfeeding support group is also available.
• We do suggest that you breastfeed your newborn on demand, usually every two to three hours for the first two weeks after birth.
• Be sure to discuss your baby's feeding with your pediatrician. You may also wish to ask your obstetrician or North Shore University Hospital's lactation consultant (please call 516-562-4447) for more information.
• An additional resource is the La Leche League, which can be reached at 1-800-LA LECHE.
• Additional information can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' breastfeeding site and the American Academy of Pediatrics' breastfeeding site.
• Particularly helpful is the book New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding, by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• After you have settled into a routine at home, you may wish to join an informal group of breastfeeding mothers and their babies who meet at North Shore University Hospital. This is an opportunity to share experiences with other mothers and get to get to know the hospital's lactation consultant who helps with practical advice and answers questions.