In most cases, breastfeeding is the best choice for feeding your baby. Breastfeeding is beneficial to the baby because breast milk has all the nutrients a baby needs to grow and to stay healthy. Breast milk boosts the immune system in babies and this may lead to fewer infections and illnesses in the infant. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk of childhood obesity. Breastfeeding is economical and will save money.
Studies have shown health benefits to mothers who breastfeed, including a decreased chance of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. Mothers who breastfeed may also experience less bleeding after their baby is born because breastfeeding helps the uterus contract, which can decrease the amount of bleeding. Breastfeeding may also help mothers get back to pre-pregnancy weight sooner.
Breastfeeding is economical and will save money when compared to formula feeding. It is also convenient. Breast milk is made uniquely for your baby. It does not require any preparation.
We encourage all of our newborns’ mothers to feed their babies breast milk, and we have programs set up to help them understand the importance and to work through any problems or issues with breastfeeding.
The breastfeeding quality measures are grouped in two categories. The first two are measures for babies who were not in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The others are for babies who were cared for in the NICU.
- Exclusive breast milk feeding during the newborn's entire hospitalization
- Percent of babies breast fed
- Use of breast milk during hospital stay
- Use of breast milk at discharge
- Nurses' support of mother's efforts to breastfeed
Return to: Obstetrics & Pregnancy Care Measures.