DID YOU KNOW
* Infant formula companies spent $46 million dollars on advertising in 2004.
* Infants who are not breastfed have a 21% higher post neonatal infant mortality rate in the US. (US Dept of Health and Human Services) * Breastfed babies have better cognitive development, higher IQs, decreased
illness, and increased immunity.
* Breastfeeding improves maternal health and is a stated public health goal.
* Human milk is a natural renewable resource and all baby needs for the first
six months of life.
* La Leche League offers free mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Benefits YOU and your BABY!
Breastfeeding protects mother and baby from many diseases like diabetes, obesity, many cancers, osteoporosis, ear and respiratory infections, early dental cavities and malocclusions, auto-immune disorders and more. The protective factors in your milk give immediate benefits and is cumulative, meaning the longer the breastfeeding, the greater the protection...in many cases throughout your lives!
Breastfeeding helps prevent hemorrhage postpartum and also help you regain your pre-pregnant figure. Milk production burns an extra 400-600 calories per day!
Breastfeeding early and often helps prevent engorgement and builds your milk supply as it facilitates bonding with your new baby.
Breastfeeding saves the average family over $1500 over the cost of formula feeding the first 3 months of life — savings are even more when you add in the lesser risk of illnesses like ear infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma and more.
Breastfeeding is easier—no bottles to sterilize, prepare or pack! No formula to mix and pack and buy. It increases your mobility and helps you get more rest.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) & the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding for all babies exclusively for at least 6 months and then on for 1-2 years as mutually agreeable
Preventing Common Problems Early On
Put baby to breast and let him try to nurse as soon as you can. The sucking reflex is strongest in the first hour after birth. Rooming-in and nursing your baby frequently and on-cue will help to bring in your milk supply and avoid engorgement. This is a time to learn and practice with you and your new baby.
Know that the first 6 weeks are the most important in terms of building your milk supply. Learn to latch baby on properly to avoid nipple pain as well as to help baby build your supply. For great, instructional video on latching on -- go to www.ameda.com and click on the link to "latch-on video" at the bottom, right-hand side of the page! The most common cause of nipple pain and poor supply is a poor latch, and while it's sometimes tiring to work on latching-on... it pays huge dividends in terms of comfortable nursing and abundant milk!
Remember that milk production is based on the law of supply and demand. As your baby will experience frequent growth spurts, he will want to nurse more frequently—sometimes every hour or two. By responding with more frequent nursing sessions, your milk supply will increase quickly, and baby will start to give you longer breaks between feedings.
Take care of yourself! Choose wholesome foods and drink plenty of fluids. Resting and sleeping with and when baby sleeps will help you feel good in the early weeks. Enjoy sharing this special time with your baby!
How Do I Know If I Have Enough Milk?
You were designed to nurse your baby, and your baby needs your closeness and the warmth and protection of your milk. While many mothers often worry about their milk supply, it is rare that a woman can’t produce enough milk to satisfy her baby’s needs.
Your milk supply is based on the law of supply and demand—the more frequently your baby nurses, and the more milk removed from the breast each feeding means more milk will be produced.
Your baby’s stomach is very small—about the size of a walnut at birth...while he won’t need a large quantity of milk in the early days, he will need to nurse frequently—sometimes every 1-3 hours around the clock. This helps to bring in an adequate supply of milk for your baby’s growing needs. He will grow the fastest during his first year of life! Your milk will be all he needs for about the first 6 months of his life.
Put baby to breast and let him try to nurse as soon as you can after delivery. The sucking reflex is strongest in the first hour or two after birth. Rooming-in and nursing your baby frequently and on-cue will help to bring in your milk supply quickly and avoid engorgement. This is a time to learn and practice with you and your new baby.
As your baby experiences frequent growth spurts in the early weeks, he will want to nurse more frequently—sometimes every hour or two. By responding with more frequent nursing sessions, your milk supply will increase quickly, and baby will start to give you longer breaks between feedings. 
Take care of yourself! Your house doesn't have to be dusted and you don't have to entertain guests! Cut back on unneccessary tasks and enjoy a "nursing day." Before you know it, you'll get back into a routine. Enjoy sharing this special time with your baby! Babies are babies for just a short time!
Signs of a Healthy Milk Supply
The baby nurses frequently averaging at least 8-12 feedings per 24-hour period.
The baby is allowed to determine the length of the feeding, which may be 10 to 20 minutes per breast or longer.
Baby's swallowing sounds are audible as he is breastfeeding.
The baby should gain at least 4-7 ounces per week after the fourth day of life.
The baby will be alert and active, appear healthy, have good color, firm skin, and will be growing in length and head circumference.
To speed milk synthesis and increase daily milk production, the key is to remove more milk from the breast and to do this quickly and frequently, so that less milk accumulates in the breast between feedings
Sandpoint currently has no active group, nor do we have regular meetings. 
Kimberlee, LLLL
208-265-9257 - Sandpoint