RMC Women

Dear Dad and Grandparents-To-Be,

Congratulations to you on your upcoming bundle of joy! You are probably already making plans to provide "the best" for the little one. Fortunately one of the best things that you can provide for your baby is very affordable, convenient, and beneficial beyond the infancy stage. Breastmilk is the optimal form of infant food, and breastfeeding is great for baby and mom too. Formula companies are not able to reproduce many of the components of human breastmilk, which make it so superior.

Some of these components include:

• Antibodies which protect the baby from infections.
  
• Specific fatty acids which maximize potential brain development for human babies.
  
• Natural and human specific ingredients which lead to easier digestibility.
  

Also consider some of the more practical benefits of breastfeeding. Breastmilk needs no mixing, warming, cooling, pouring, or cleanup. You will spend at least $1800 during the first year to formula feed your baby. Breastfeeding is free except for extra calories that mom will consume. Optional, one-time expenses may include breast pads, nursing blouses, breast pump fees, and nursing bras.

Sometimes dads and grandparents feel they may not be able to participate in the care of the baby if he/she is breastfed. Remember that babies have many other needs besides eating. Babies need to be rocked, bathed, diapered, and burped. Babies need to see expressive faces and hear soothing voices. Through these types of frequent interactions, baby develops trust and finds comfort in you. Also, after a few weeks of learning how to breastfeed, Mom can pump her breastmilk into a bottle for you to occasionally feed the baby.

Please encourage your wife or daughter to breastfeed, and then support her decision before and after the baby's arrival. You can do this by educating yourself about breastfeeding, and giving her praise and support for her efforts. Together you can provide the "gold standard" in infant nutrition for your baby, and give your baby the best start possible.

Regional Lactation Services is a service of Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center to provide support for your family's decision to breastfeed. Board certified lactation consultants are available before and after your baby's birth to answer questions and provide guidance about breastfeeding.