Provided as a public service by The Anthem Foundation and The Kentucky Institute for Patient Safety and Quality.

Kentucky dads know they need to support and protect their baby right away. The best way to protect your baby against infections, diseases and allergies is to make sure your baby has the perfect food – breast milk.

Dad, you can encourage your baby’s mom to give breastfeeding a try, praise her efforts and support her decision. Breastfeeding saves money and Colostrum (pre-breast milk) is rich in food value and antibodies that fight infection. Even breastfeeding for a brief time has many health benefits, and there are emotional benefits that come from holding and cuddling your baby. Dad, you can help by giving your baby a bottle with breast milk and by burping your baby.

Kentucky Dads supportBreastfeeding

Kentucky

This is an exciting time for you and your family. Your hospital and health department provide resources on breastfeeding because they want to give you the help you need to give your baby a healthy start. Talk to your doctor or lactation educator about breastfeeding and encourage Mom to give breastfeeding a try. For more information, visit www.kybreastfeeds.org

Congratulations, Dad! You’re a father. JOIN THE MOVEMENT

BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES

CONGRATULATIONS, DAD! YOU’RE A FATHER.

kybreastfeeds.org

Kentucky dads know they need to support and protect their baby right away. The best way to protect your baby against infections, diseases and allergies is to make sure your baby has the perfect food – breast milk.

Dad, you can encourage your baby’s mom to give breastfeeding a try, praise her efforts and support her decision. Breastfeeding saves money and Colostrum (pre-breast milk) is rich in food value and antibodies that fight infection. Even breastfeeding for a brief time has many health benefits, and there are emotional benefits that come from holding and cuddling your baby. Dad, you can help by giving your baby a bottle with breast milk and by burping your baby.

CONGRATULATIONS, DAD! YOU’RE A FATHER.

• It’s free and convenient and can save $2,000 to $4,000 each year.

• Colostrum (pre-breast milk) provides nutrients high in food value, and protection against diseases that can spread.

• Breast milk is easy to digest (break down and use for food).

• The hospital and health department can provide you with information Mom needs to nurse your baby correctly in order to prevent soreness.

• You may need a breast pump for times when Mom is away from her baby.

• Breastfeeding may require frequent feedings, making Mom feel more tired, so she will need to rest whenever she can.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT BREASTFEEDING

• Make sure Mom is comfortable and has enough pillows to support your baby, her arms and back.

• Provide an extra pair of hands to help get your baby positioned just right.

• Remind Mom to take deep breaths as she relaxes her shoulders and body when your baby latches on.

• Help out by burping your baby and changing your baby’s diaper.

• Encourage Mom to take daily naps…especially during the first few weeks. A little extra sleep for Mom can make a big difference for everyone.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TOBE A SUPER HERO AND SUPPORT

MOM AND YOUR BABY

kybreastfeeds.org

BREASTFEEDING MYTHSTHAT ARE NOT TRUE

False: Women who have small breasts produce less breast milk.

True: Almost all women produce enough milk regardless of a woman’s breast size.

False: A mother will not get pregnant during the time she breastfeeds.

True: Breastfeeding may delay a woman getting back her monthly menstrual cycle (period) for months, but she can still get pregnant.

False: A mother cannot lose weight while nursing.

True: Nursing may help lose the fat that was stored during pregnancy and help shrink the mother’s womb faster.

False: Everything the mother eats will be passed through her breast milk.

True: Some substances can show up in breast milk, but not everything. All medicine should have a doctor’s approval including laxatives which help the body get rid of waste (poop). The nursing mother should limit caffeine, alcohol and smoking.

Provided as a public service by The Anthem Foundation and The Kentucky Institute for Patient Safety and Quality.

This is an exciting time for you and your family. Your hospital and health department provide resources on breastfeeding because they want to give you the help you need to give your baby a healthy start. Talk to your doctor or lactation educator about breastfeeding and encourage Mom to give breastfeeding a try. For more information, visit www.kybreastfeeds.org

Congratulations, Dad! You’re a father.

BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES

kybreastfeeds.org