Feeding Your Baby
When getting ready for your new baby’s arrival, one of the most important decisions you will make is what you will feed your baby: breast milk or formula.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeed if possible. It is the healthiest and safest option for most infants and supports an infant's ability to fight certain infections. Current recommendations state that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about six months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for two years or beyond.
In addition to being the most natural way to feed your baby, breastfeeding further enhances the bonding experience and provides the best nutrition for your new baby. Breastfed babies are better able to fight infections, and breastfeeding offers better weight normalization for mom. It also is a lower-cost option.
Some of the benefits of breastmilk include:
- Mom’s body makes milk just for the baby’s specific needs. Breastmilk changes to meet your baby’s needs.
- Breastmilk has benefits that formula does not such as: antibodies, hormones, anti-viruses, anti-allergies, anti-parasites, growth factors and enzymes.
Breastfeeding does require a commitment from mom and some moms or babies need time to learn how to be successful. Plugged ducts and some discomfort when the baby sucks are also possible.
The process of breastfeeding and your milk change as your baby grows and develops. A newborn's feeding routine may be different than that of a breastfeeding six-month-old. As the baby grows, the nutrients in your milk adapt to your growing baby's needs.
Many resources are available to ensure your successful breastfeeding. Support is offered during your hospital stay and also is available on an outpatient basis. Our goal is to help you gain confidence in feeding your baby through education and assistance with breastfeeding.
Resources are available throughout the community; view them here.
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Feeding Time
Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group
Support systems are extremely important for new mothers. As new mothers, there are some things that come instinctively. However, the journey of motherhood is a long one and receiving a little help along the way with a group of like-minded people makes the journey a lot easier. Our Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group can help you learn more about breastfeeding, build a community and provide a safe space to ask questions.
Lactation Services
The team of providers at Summa Health’s Lactation Center at Summa Health System— Akron Campus offers services both in the hospital as well as on an outpatient basis.
While in the hospital, the team visits each patient and helps the new mom with breastfeeding. They discuss a number of topics including proper latching, milk supply, how to tell the baby is getting enough milk, pump usage and more. They work with the patient to develop a feeding plan if the baby is having difficulty breastfeeding and answer questions from the patient.
Once discharged, patients can call the Lactation Center with any questions or concerns they have regarding breastfeeding. For more information, call 330.375.4271.
Formula-Fed
For moms who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, commercial iron-fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for your infant. Infant formulas contain adequate amounts of protein, calories, fat, vitamins and minerals for growth. However, formula does not contain the immune factors present in breast milk, which can help prevent infections. In addition, formula can lead to a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death (SIDS), ear infections, respiratory infections, asthma and allergies for babies. Moms also experience heavier blood loss after birth and a quicker return to periods if not breastfeeding. Cost also is a factor, as formula averages $1,500/year, not including bottles and supplies. Offer cow's milk-based formula with iron as a first choice of formula if not breastfeeding.
