Many medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly recommend breastfeeding exclusively (no formula, juice, or water) for 6 months.
What do doctors say about breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breast fed for the first six months of life, followed by continued breast feeding “for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphatically seconds these …
Do doctors recommend breastfeeding or formula?
Your doctor may recommend that you both breastfeed and give your baby formula, or that you add powdered or liquid fortifiers to pumped breast milk. That may be needed if: Your baby was born premature or with a very low birth weight and needs extra calories and nutrients.
Are breastfed babies healthier?
Breastfed babies may become healthier children with:
Fewer instances of allergies, eczema, and asthma. Fewer childhood cancers, including leukemia and lymphomas. Lower risk of type I and II diabetes. Fewer instances of Crohn’s disease and colitis.
What does the CDC say about breastfeeding?
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until your child is 12 months old or older.
What are the disadvantages of breastfeeding?
Cons
- You may feel discomfort, particularly during the first few days or weeks.
- There isn’t a way to measure how much your baby is eating.
- You’ll need to watch your medication use, caffeine, and alcohol intake. Some substances that go into your body are passed to the baby through your milk.
- Newborns eat frequently.
How long do doctors recommend breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.
Is breast milk good for fathers?
Breastfeeding Benefits for Dad
Although fathers often worry that they will feel left out of the breastfeeding experience, the truth is that fathers are positively impacted when their babies are breastfed.
Can I breastfeed my husband during pregnancy?
Lots of women leak colostrum or clear fluid from their nipples when they’re pregnant. It’s not exactly the same stuff you’ll produce when you’re breastfeeding, but it is your breasts’ way of priming the pump (so to speak). As long as you and your breasts are enjoying it, your husband can, too.