Baby and Breast Milk, Breast Feeding
Moms choosing to breastfeed their babies are in fact, making an excellent decision. According to experts, breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby for the first six months. The milk from a mom’s breast contains everything the young baby needs including vitamins and proteins as well as fat. Best of all, the baby is able to digest the breast milk better than formula.

Benefits of Breast Milk
Breast milk provides the baby with all the antibodies required to fight bacteria and it also helps to lower the risk of asthma or allergies. The best part is when a baby breastfeeds for the first 6 months without formula he or she will not develop any major ear infections or respiratory problems and they will also be virtually free of diarrhea problems.
Breastfeeding also provides other benefits to the baby later on in life. In fact, babies that were breastfed for the first six months without formula generally develop a higher IQ. Also, when the baby comes into close contact with the mom’s breasts and when it has skin contact with the mom and eye contact; it all helps to create better and closer bonds with the mom.

Why Use Breast Pumps?
Breastfeeding is without any doubt the best way to feed a baby. However, it also puts a strain on the mother and so, she may want to use a breast pump which effectively established and maintains the proper supply of milk to the baby. There are good reasons to use breast pumps including for storing milk. In addition, it provides a solution for the baby when it is not able to latch on or feed directly from the mother’s breast. Finally, a breast pump is a good option when the mother wants to provide the baby with breastmilk but cannot directly do so.

How to Use the Breast Pump Correctly?
When using breast pumps moms need to ensure they use the pump in the morning, especially first thing in the morning. Second, they should use the pump at thirty to sixty-minute intervals and they should provide the baby with sufficient quantity of milk. Ideally, moms should breast pump the baby between eight to ten times in a 24-hour period.
Finally, moms should understand how to use the breast pumps and they should also try and avail of insurance covered breast pumps to minimize the costs. Moms should avail of the Affordable Care Act which allows them to use their health insurance plan to cover the cost of the breast pumps.

Article Reviewed By Crystal Ibetoh MD, MBA reviews each article and ensures the accuracy of the health information. Dr. Ibetoh has strong medical interests in women's health and preventative medicine. She is also a mother of three and uses her medical expertise in addition to personal experience to provide advice about breastfeeding.

*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding breastfeeding.*