Breastfeeding Resources

Should I Breastfeed?

Some women are on the fence about whether or not to breastfeed their newborn--and the choice is entirely up to you. Consider some of the following points when making your decision:

• Breastfeeding helps develop the deep emotional bond between a mother and her baby
• Breast milk contains just the right combination of nutrients and, therefore, is easily digested by your infant (meaning less gas and burping). Also, it is free and requires no preparation as it is always fresh, clean and the right temperature for your baby.
• Breastfed babies may have fewer allergies and ear infections. Breastfeeding also may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly
• Because breastfeeding burns calories, women may lose pregnancy weight more easily
• Breastfeeding can help decrease your risk of developing certain cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers.

If you are considering breastfeeding, Southwest General's lactation consultants are available, one on one, at varied schedules, for basic information and answers to questions before and after delivery. Additionally, a mothers' support group is available for both expectant and nursing moms. The group meets twice a month at Southwest General.

For more information about breastfeeding services at Southwest General call the Lactation Line at 440-816-8397, weekdays.

Breastfeeding with Kangaroo Care

Learn how to breastfeed with our Kangaroo Care breastfeeding service in Cleveland.

The Maternity Services at Southwest General located near Cleveland promote a special technique--starting in the Delivery Room--for holding your baby skin-to-skin on your bare chest. This nursing method is called Kangaroo Care because it mimics the way a mother kangaroo holds her babies and helps you form a special bond, right from the start.

Studies have shown that Kangaroo Care is very beneficial to both you and your baby. Benefits include:

• Mothers and fathers form special bonds with their babies.
• Babies gain weight faster, cry less and sleep better.
• There is improved breastfeeding success--babies "latch on" more easily in KC, and there is increased milk production. Breastfed babies have a decreased number of infections in their first year of life.
• Babies can regulate their own feedings if held in KC for long periods of time as they will have ready access to the breast for spontaneous feedings.

Your nurses will help you begin Kangaroo Care, teach you the techniques and tell you what to expect from your infant during the process. You will be able to place your baby into Kangaroo Care without assistance and can continue to do the technique as often as you like, for as long as your baby tolerates it. The Kangaroo Care breastfeeding and nursing technique even works for twins!