The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons, including the joyful bonding and unique nutritional and health benefits it provides for both mom and baby.

The decision to breastfeed is also a very personal one, and at Fremont Health, we’re here to provide all the education and support you need, no matter how you decide to feed your baby.

If you do choose to breastfeed, our lactation-certified nurses are always on hand to help ensure a successful experience for you and your newborn. Your nurses will visit with you several times during your stay to teach proper positioning, feeding frequency, the importance of skin-to-skin contact and more helpful tips, as well as address any concerns like latching difficulties, painful nursing or low milk production.

After you leave the hospital, we’re also available to answer any questions and provide ongoing support to keep you feeling comfortable and confident.

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding below. If you have any questions, please call (402) 721-3133 or contact us online.

Want to start prepping right away? Register now for our Better Breastfeeding class.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is more than a way to feed your baby—it becomes a lifestyle and an important health choice. Every day that you breastfeed will benefit both you and your baby. Here are some of the ways in which breastfeeding is different from feeding your baby formula:

Benefits for Baby

• Human milk is the most complete nutrition for infants. Mother’s milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein needed for a baby’s growth and development. No one has been able to duplicate all the vital components of human milk.

• Human milk has antibodies that help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are not found in breast milk substitutes, such as formula. Babies who are breastfed for six months are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea or respiratory illnesses.

• Human milk contains complex hormones and ingredients that help protect against the development of chronic illnesses, including asthma, diabetes and obesity.

• The process of feeding a baby at the breast is known to calm and quiet a baby. Research shows that breastfeeding helps a baby to socialize and promotes healthy, normal relationships as a baby matures into adulthood.

Benefits for Mom

• Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight after giving birth and enjoy a quicker recovery.

• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis.

• Breastfeeding is a normal, natural process that has survived thousands of years; it creates a biological connection between a mother and her baby that promotes self-confidence and enhances feelings of calmness.

• Breastfeeding saves time and money. There is no formula to buy or mix, and no bottles to warm in the middle of the night. Breastfed babies also typically need fewer doctor visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.

• Breastfeeding mothers miss less work because their infants are sick less often.

In addition to those personal benefits, breastfeeding is also better for our environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to formula use.

Breastfeeding Resources

• What's in Breast Milk?
• Guide to Breastfeeding
• Office on Women's Health
• Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition
• Count the Kicks
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention