Breastfeeding 

 The Facts...

• The average cost savings to new parents in the first year of breastfeeding is $1,000
• Adults who were breastfed as infants have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases and obesity.
• Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections than formula-fed infants.

 The Challenges...

Choosing to breastfeed is one of the healthiest things you can do for you and your baby.  It's the perfect food for infants and changes to meet your growing baby's needs.  And, there are benefits for breastfeeding mothers, too.  Breastfeeding mothers:Have lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

• Return to their pre-pregnancy weight quicker.
• Are healthier after their babies are born.
• Burn 200 to 500 extra calories a day.
• Often experience less bleeding after delivery.
• In Oklahoma, nearly 70 percent of mothers start breast feeding their newborn babies.
• Six months later, less than half of them are still breastfeeding.
• After one year, only 13 percent continue to breastfeed.
• The top reason Oklahoma women give for not breastfeeding is returning to work.
• After giving birth, 1/3 of mothers return to work within 3 months, and 2/3 have returned to work within 6 months.
• Eventually, most mothers who return to work stop breastfeeding.

The Solutions...

Strong and Healthy Oklahoma encourages all Oklahoma mothers to breastfeed their babies.  It's important for all mothers to remember that there is no single right way to breastfeed.  Moms and babies are all different, so the method that works for you and your baby may not work for your friend or even your next baby.

If you have questions or trouble nursing, don't worry.  Ask the experts for help.  Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you have concerns. Breastfeeding specialists are available to help your successfully breastfeed your baby.

More in-depth information and resources about breastfeeding are available at the OSDH Breastfeeding Information & Support website.