The Importance of Breastfeeding

  During the pregnancy a couple will make a decision regarding breastfeeding their newborn child. Information regarding breastfeeding is available through La Leche League International, and local lactation consultants. I recommend both parents read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, available from La Leche League, for necessary information to make this decision . It is very important to realize that breastfeeding is the best nutritional start for your baby. A mother who is breastfeeding, regardless of her diet and health, will be giving her baby an unique food with nutrition that is far superior to anything else available for her infant. Whenever possible, babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least four, and preferably six months. When absolutely necessary supplementation with other milks or formulas may be added to the baby’s diet.      Mothers who are breastfeeding should eat the healthiest diet possible and take natural prenatal vitamins for the length of time she continues nursing her baby (see appendix for recommended products). We also recommend that she take omega three fatty acids (vitamin F or essential fatty acids), preferably in “EPA” and/or “DHA” form, three to six grams daily and “probiotic” (healthy intestinal bacteria) supplements with bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantum, etc. in a dose of 20 billion bacteria per dose two to three times daily (see also chapter on Antibiotic Use/Overuse).