Breastfed babies benefit in so many ways! Quite simply, breast milk is the ideal food for human babies and no artificial baby formula can come close to replicating all the amazing properties of breast milk.

     Besides promoting bonding and emotional development, from the moment of birth, a mother’s breast milk provides to her baby the exact nutrition he needs at that time. Colostrum, the first milk, is rich in antibodies and has a laxative effect, clearing the baby’s bowels of meconium and preventing jaundice. Breast milk is unique in that it contains living cells, and its makeup changes with the needs of the baby, even from the beginning of a feeding to the end. Breast milk is easily digested and aids in a baby’s digestive development.

     Other health benefits to babies include reduced chance of developing respiratory infections, asthma, obesity, ear infections, certain types of cancer, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, allergies, diarrheal infections, and bacterial meningitis. In addition to the many health benefits, breastfed babies also have higher IQs than babies fed artificial formula.

     It’s no wonder then, that breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, The World Health Organization, and The American Dietetic Association.

     Even though breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned art for both baby and mother. Taking a breastfeeding class prenatally can help to prepare you for your breastfeeding experience.

     Breastfeeding 101 is a two hour workshop that covers the basics of breastfeeding. At this workshop you will learn benefits of breastfeeding to mother, baby, and the family, proper positioning and latch, how to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat, how to find support and resources, and much more.

     The class is offered on Saturday afternoons once a month. Dates vary, so call for days and times of workshops.