At CHRISTUS Health, we encourage all mothers to do what is best for their newborn babies and their own health and well-being. When possible, exclusively breastfeeding your baby is strongly recommended for at least the first 6 months.

Whether it is your first or last child you plan on having, our lactation specialists can teach you different methods to effectively breastfeed your baby. Although it can be challenging, it offers many benefits for your and your baby’s health.

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby include:

• Colostrum, or the first form of breastmilk in the first 2-4 days after birth, is easily digestible and provides the correct amount for newborn stomach size
• Decreased risk of infant illness due to antibodies in colostrum
• Decreased allergies and asthma
• Optimal brain growth, 8-10 points higher IQ
• Protects baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, ear infections, respiratory infections, and pneumonia
• Decreased risk of juvenile diabetes, obesity, and some cancers

Benefits of breastfeeding for mom:

• Helps the uterus return to post-pregnancy size faster
• Decreased risk of postpartum depression
• Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• Decreased risk of postpartum bleeding
• No formula cost—Breastmilk is free!

Potential Complications Associated with Formula Feeding

• Increased incidence of asthma, ear infections, soy and cow’s milk allergies, obesity and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• Alterations in bowel pH causing diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections
• Sensitivity to soy or cow’s milk protein
• Formula supplements delay milk “coming in” and can decrease supply
• Nipple confusion – the infant may have difficulty latching after bottle feedings

More About Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics, The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, The World Health Organization, UNICEF and staff at CHRISTUS Health do not recommend the use of formula or artificial nipples unless there is a medical indication. If short-term supplementation is necessary we strongly recommend using an alternative feeding method such as in a cup or a syringe. It is strongly encouraged to limit supplementation amount depending on the infant’s day of life. If supplementation is medically necessary, your newborn nurse will guide you in this process. We strongly encourage you to avoid using pacifiers or bottles for four weeks. We want your breastfeeding experience to be successful.