Babies who are breastfed or fed expressed breastmilk are at lower risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) compared with babies who were never fed breastmilk. According to research, the longer you provide breastmilk to your baby, the lower his or her risk of SIDS.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding only human milk—with no added formula or other foods or liquids (sometimes called exclusive breastfeeding)—for at least baby’s first 6 months, unless breastfeeding is not ideal due to health conditions. Parents can feed human milk through direct breastfeeding or by feeding human milk pumped from the breast.

It is recommended to feed your baby breastmilk 8-12 times/day.

Benefits of breastmilk include:

• Breastmilk provides a solid dose of maternal antibodies with every feeding. These antibodies help baby fight germs that their immune system hasn’t even learned about yet. 
• Feeding breastmilk provides baby with 2 main antimicrobial proteins that slow or stop bacteria and viruses from causing problems in the GI tract or lungs. These proteins are called lactoferrin and lysozyme.
• Waking from sleep more easily may be another way breastfeeding decreases risk of sudden death for sleeping babies.

Struggling with breastfeeding or not sure where to start?

Mercer Health offers local breastfeeding classes and employs board certified lactation consultants to help you and your baby on your new journey. 

The experts at Mercer Health have compiled a number of answers and online resources you can use to make this experience as rewarding and successful as possible. To learn more visit: https://mercer-health.com/our-services/breastfeeding-support/