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The benefits of breastfeeding have been well documented. Though it is most apparent during infancy, these benefits have enduring effects that promote optimal health throughout the life of the breastfed baby and his mother. Human milk is a complex, living substance with numerous disease-fighting and health-promoting ingredients; it is a complete infant support-system that provides both nutrition and protection. Breast milk contains immune molecules called antibodies that destroy germs. The mother's immune system makes these antibodies and they constantly adapt. When a baby or mother is exposed to a new germ, the mother's immune cells are activated and manufacture antibodies to combat that specific germ. These antibodies and disease-fighting cells will quickly appear in the milk and the mother will pass them to her baby at the next feeding. There are hundreds of human milk components that interact synergistically to both nourish and protect infants and young children. On the other hand, infant formula provides nutrition only: it has no benefit to the baby beyond basic nutrition.
Breastfeeding benefits women as well. Some of the benefits are long lasting and appear to remain with mothers for years after they have weaned their last child.
Benefits for Mother
Benefits for Dad
Benefits for the World
Breastfeeding is Green. Increased breastfeeding would decrease health care costs worldwide. The US could save $13 billion each year on medical costs if 90% of women nursed their infants exclusively for the first six months. This estimate is based solely on the decreased cost of the care of babies, and does not include savings for the decreased health care costs of the nursing mothers.
Copyright© 2013 by The Pump Station & Nurtury®. All rights reserved. No part of this handout may be reproduced in any form without permission from The Pump Station & Nurtury®. This article has not been prepared by a physician, is not intended as medical advice, and is not a substitute for regular medical care. Consult with a physician if medical symptoms or problems occur.
The ability to produce enough milk is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. The lack of proper education, no role models, and the loss of breastfeeding as a cultural norm, have contributed to the myth that women might have insufficient milk supplies. When, in fact, almost all women are capable of producing adequate volumes of milk for their babies. But how much is too much? And what should you do if you have overactive let-down!
Continue readingIn the United States, concern about low milk supply is the most common reason given by women for supplementation and early weaning. Why do so many women in our culture lack confidence in their ability to adequately nourish their babies? Sociologists believe, that during the last century, the decline in breastfeeding contributed to the loss of knowledge about how breastfeeding really works, and how breastfed babies behave.
Copyright©2017 by The Pump Station & Nurtury®. All rights reserved. No part of this handout may be reproduced in any form without permission from The Pump Station. This article has not been prepared by a physician, is not intended as medical advice, and is not a substitute for regular medical care. Consult with a physician if medical symptoms or problems occur. Revised 01/06
Breastfeeding women with Raynaud’s phenomenon experience debilitating nipple pain that usually follows the feeding (although it can occur during the feeding) and may last for hours. When the warm mouth of the baby comes off the breast, the face of the nipple, or part of the nipple, will blanch white and burning pain begins. The nipple can go through several color changes (white, blue, red) and the entire breast may throb. Poor positioning and poor latch may cause nipple damage, nipple blanching and pain, and are thought by some to trigger the problem. However, the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur even without improper breastfeeding techniques and nipple damage. Not all nipple vasospasm is Raynaud's Phenomenon and may fully resolve if the latch can be improved and the damage healed. Exposure to cold is also a known trigger in Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Treatment Options include the following:Items Our Team Recommends | ||
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![]() Lansinoh 3-1 Breast Therapy |
![]() Earth Mama Booby Tubes |
![]() Medela Breast Pumps |
![]() Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow |
![]() The Pump Station Back Pillow |
![]() My Brest Friend Adjustable Stool |
Certified Lactation Educators (CLE):
We have certified lactation educators available by phone or email 7 days a week. We also have certified Lactation Consultants available for appointments. Our Pump Station library of educational handouts covers a variety of topics ranging from sore-nipples and engorgement, to dealing with thrush and mastitis. Our educators can assist you in finding the educational materials you need in our stores and on our website.
Phone: (310) 998-1981
Email: info@pumpstation.com
How to Collect Breastmilk for Newborns
Working Moms
Storing Breastmilk
Breastmilk Storage Guidelines (For Healthy Term Babies)
Freshly expressed breastmilk | Thawed breastmilk (previously frozen) | |
Room Temperature | 4 hours at 66-72°F 19-22°C) | Do Not Store |
Cooler with 3 Frozen Ice Packs | 24 hours at 59°F (15°C) | Do Not Store |
Refrigerator | 5-7 days at 32-39°F (0°C) | 24 hours |
Self Contained Refrig/Freezer Unit | 3-4 months | Never refreeze thawed milk |
Deep Freezer | 6-12 months at 0°F (-19°C) | Never refreeze thawed milk |
Defrosting
Feeding Tips
Your Milk Supply and Your Baby's Needs
See Other Breastfeeding and Baby Care Help Topics
References: