Breastfeeding

We recommend and encourage breastfeeding your baby after delivery.  Even a short amount of breastfeeding can be helpful to both mom and infant.

Studies have found that breastfeeding is associated with great benefits for kids: a reduction in the risk of ear infections, gastroenteritis (stomach infections), severe lower respiratory tract infections, skin allergies, asthma, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Studies also show benefits from moms including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer.  In addition, stopping breastfeeding early or no breastfeeding is associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression.

We recognize that breastfeeding can be difficult and initially painful, and it’s not for every mom and baby.  There is help available – North Kansas City Hospital has a “postpartum” education class to prepare you before delivery.  The labor and delivery nurses will help you with initial instructions, and the postpartum nurses will continue to help you with the guidance of lactation specialists.

In addition, there are breastfeeding support groups through North Kansas City Hospital and Pediatric Care North (you don’t have to be a patient there), and continued availability of the lactation specialists after you are discharged home.