excerpts from the book...
An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African American Women
by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office on Women's Health &
by African-American Breastfeeding Alliance, Inc.
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This Guide is to support you and your family with breastfeeding so you can succeed in every
stage. It will help you learn that breastfeeding is a very special way to give your baby the best
start at life. We know that our children are our future, and breast milk can give them a head
start in their lives.
Babies are born to be breastfed.
For your Baby
Breastfeeding is best for your baby because:
- recent studies show that babies who are exclusively breastfed for 6 months are less likely
to develop ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses. The may also be less likely
to develop childhood obesity.
- breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein that is needed for a
baby's growth
- most babies find breast milk easier to digest than formula
- most babies are not allergic to the protein in breast milk because it is a baby's natural food
- premature babies are healthier when they are breastfed
For Mom
Breastfeeding is best for you because:
- it delays the return of the menstrual cycle
- breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster
- it helps the uterus to get back to its original size more quickly and lessens any bleeding
you may have after giving birth
- it reduces the chances of getting ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancer
- it creates a strong mother/child bond
- breastfeeding mothers have more self-esteem
For Dad
Breastfeeding is best for you because:
- it saves time and it's free -- it can save the family budget hundreds of dollars
- you can enjoy the beauty of breastfeeding by simply sitting with mom and baby to enjoy
the special mood that breastfeeding creates
- you can still help to care for your baby by giving him or her a bottle of pumped breast milk
For Society
Breastfeeding is best for society because:
- it saves on healthcare costs
- it adds to a more productive workforce since breastfeeding moms often need less time off
to care for sick babies
- it creates a healthier society
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