The Best Time to Start Breastfeeding is Within a Few Hours of Birth

Why We Promote Breastfeeding

portraitBreastmilk is the best food for your baby and it is good for you too! CVMC actively promotes breastfeeding through our prenatal breastfeeding classes, our one-on-one sessions with the 2,000+ new moms who deliver at our Birthing Center each year and our breastfeeding helpline and support groups available after discharge. We also offer many resources to help overcome some of the common struggles moms encounter with proper breastfeeding technique and concerns about how to continue after returning to work or questions about milk supply.

“Even breastfeeding for a short time is good for your baby,” said Jackie Echelberger, RN, BS, IBCLC, one of CVMC’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. “The best time to start breastfeeding is within a few hours of birth. The mother’s breasts are not producing milk yet but she will be producing colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid that is chock full of natural antibodies. It’s nature’s way of giving a baby protection from disease while the immune system has a chance to develop.”

Among the numerous benefits that make breastfeeding the best choice compared to formula feeding, here are what Echelberger considers some of the most convincing reasons:

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that breastfed babies have fewer illness because of the antibodies passed to infants through their mother’s breastmilk. Breast milk antibodies protect your baby from many illnesses (including ear infections) and allergies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and baby.” Although, any amount of breastmilk a baby can receive is beneficial.
  • Breastmilk is pre-packaged, pre-measured, pre-warmed and free!
  • Studies have shown that women who breastfeed their babies have lower risks of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and possibly osteoporosis. And, since breast-fed babies usually don’t get sick as often, there are fewer missed days of work and less medical bills.
  • Breastmilk has the right mix of nutrients that babies need when they need it. The composition of breastmilk changes as your baby grows. And, it is easily digested and is produced in just the right amounts for your baby. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you make.

Our staff is committed to helping every mother embrace breastfeeding and be as successful as possible at breastfeeding her baby. If you are interested in learning more, please share information about the resources we offer including:

Lactation Supplies – CVMC is ready to help moms-to-be with a full line of maternity and nursing bras, breast pumps for purchase or rental, and Medela® breastfeeding accessories and supplies. We stock many hard to find sizes and styles of maternity bras and tanks ranging from 32 to 44 with professional bra fittings for nursing moms and expectant moms. Learn more, visit The POD found on the entry level of the Women & Children’s Pavilion.

Great Start Breastfeeding Class – Certified lactation consultants answer your breastfeeding questions. An infant scale is provided to weigh your little bundle of joy, and you can meet other moms who are experiencing similar breastfeeding issues.

Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group – Offered monthly on the 2nd Thursday and 4thFriday. Our certified lactation consultants offer instruction and support for moms planning to breastfeed.

For more information about breastfeeding, please contact our Breastfeeding Helpline 828.326.2086.

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