Importance of Breastfeeding
Why Breastfeed?
Now is the time to choose how to feed your baby! Breastfeeding has benefits for both mom and baby. Cells, hormones and antibodies in breastmilk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique and changes to meet your baby’s needs.
Babies who are breastfed have lower risks of developing conditions including:
- Asthma
- Childhood obesity
- Ear infections
- Eczema
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Respiratory infections
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 2 Diabetes
Benefits for mom include:
- Lower risk for Type 2 Diabetes
- Lower risk for certain women’s cancers
- Return to pre-pregnancy weight faster
Because we know breastmilk is important, The Women’s Hospital offers donor breastmilk for supplementation when it is medically indicated for mother or baby.
Mothers planning to deliver at The Women's Hospital may choose to attend our breastfeeding classes,
register online or call
812-450-BABY.
Learn more about our
Lactation Services.