Breastfeeding, also called nursing and chestfeeding, is feeding a baby human milk from thebreast.
Usually, breast milk is given directly from the breast.
However, it may also be pumped, stored, and offered from a bottle.
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Some people breastfeed exclusively.
That means their baby does not receive formula or other foods.
Others breastfeed partially, which means that their baby may also receive formula or solid foods.
This article explains the different types, benefits, complications, and ways to manage difficulties with breastfeeding.
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Types of Breastfeeding
Some people feed their babies onlybreast milk.
Others combine breastfeeding with formula or solid foods.
How Common Is Breastfeeding?
However, as time goes on, that figure drops drastically.
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding describes the act of only feeding a baby breast milk.
An exclusively breastfed baby does not receive supplemental formula or solid foods.
Exclusive breastfeeding might look different for different people.
After that time, you might introduce solid foods.
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for human infants.
However, the AAP recommendsvitamin D supplementsfor breastfeeding infants.
In the United States, 19% of newborns receive formula supplementation in their first two days of life.
You have these rights for one year after your baby’s birth.
Benefits and Risks
There are many benefits and very few risks associated with breastfeeding.
The main risks are breastfeeding-related complications or difficulties.
Often, these can be managed with proper support.
Benefits
Breastfeeding benefits extend to both the breastfeeding parent and the infant.
For infants, breast milk is uniquely designed to meet a human infants nutritional needs.
Human milk changes as a baby grows.
For example, the first milk a baby receives is calledcolostrum.
By your babys third to fifth day, your milk transitions to mature milk.
This milk contains the perfect mixture of nutrients and antibodies for your growing baby.
However, most of the time, with adequate support, parents can work through breastfeeding difficulties.
There is a lot of information and a lot of pressure around parenting.
But remember, any amount of breastmilk you might give your baby is beneficial.
Be sure to set yourself up with a proper support web connection.
For example, locate the contact information for a lactation consultant in case you need one.
And connect with others who have breastfed, like friends, family members, and breastfeeding groups.
They can be a good source of information and encouragement.
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