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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months. After six months, gradually introduce iron-enriched solid foods to complement the breast milk diet. It is further recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter, for as long as mutually desired.

BREASTFEEDING IS MORE THAN JUST FOOD

-It is beginning of a special relationship between you and your baby. When you breastfeed, you have a relationship with your baby that no one else can have.
-Breast milk is the superior infant food that supplies perfect nutrition for your baby.
-Each time you breastfeed you will also be helping your baby fight germs.
-Your breast milk requires no preparation or sterilization and is always available when your baby wants it. Anywhere. Anytime.
-Your breast milk changes to meet the needs of your growing baby.
-Breast milk is easily digested so babies have less gas, constipation diarrhea and spitting up.

BREASTFEEDING ADVANTAGES FOR THE BABY
-Less food allergies and asthma
-Less ear and respiratory infections
-Promotes nervous system development and increases IQ
-Reduces risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
-Protects against some childhood cancers
-Reduced risk of obesity and diabetes in childhood

BREASTFEEDING ADVANTAGES FOR THE MOTHER
-Promotes bonding of mother and child
-Uterus returns to its pre-pregnant size sooner
-Less bleeding after giving birth
-Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer
-Quicker weight loss after giving birth
-Less bone loss and fewer hip fractures in old age

BREASTFEEDING ADVANTAGES FOR THE FAMILIES
-Breastfeeding saves money
-Working moms miss fewer days of work
-Breastfeeding helps the environment
-Breastfeeding is natural and good for the environment. There is no waste; your formula cans and old bottles will not add to our landfills.

BREASTFEEDING IS GOOD FOR YOU TOO!
-You will not need to wash bottles or heat formula. Your milk is naturally clean and warm.
-You won't need to stumble around in the dark to make your baby's bottle. Your milk is ready and warm.
-Breastfed babies smell sweeter and their diapers do not have an unpleasant odor.
-Breastfed babies are less likely to spit up than formula-fed babies. When they do, it does not stain like formula.
-Your uterus will return to its normal size faster when you breastfeed.
-Breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of ovarian and breast cancer.
-Sitting down to breastfeed will help you rest and regain your strength after pregnancy. Breastfeeding hormones will help you relax and feel close to your baby.

WHEN NOT TO BREASTFEED
Breastfeeding is not recommended for infants whose mothers use illegal drugs, has untreated or active tuberculosis or has HIV.

Many medications are safe for the breastfed infant. Talk with your health care provider to find out more information and be sure to let them know you are a breastfeeding mother.

BREASTFEEDING LAWS
State and federal legislation about breastfeeding have been enacted to recognize and support the importance and practice of breastfeeding. Significant barriers to breastfeeding continue to persist in our communities. These barriers include social norms about breastfeeding in public, causing women embarrassment, and inflexibility in the workplace to express breast milk. Laws and regulations in Oregon address these barriers including breastfeeding in public, breastfeeding in the workplace, and exemption from jury duty.

LOCAL BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
Contact Crook County WIC @ (541) 447-5165
Check out this article:
Making Mother Friendly Workplaces

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAN PROVIDE:
-Breastfeeding Classes
-Breastfeeding support & consultations
-Breastpumps ~Medela Electric and Manual breastpumps available for WIC clients who qualify

WIC - Breastfeeding