Feeding Infants Breastfeeding | Montana State University

Breastfeeding

Human milk is the preferred food for infants.
Exclusive breastfeeding is advised for the first 6 months of life, as able.
After 6 months and as an infant starts eating solids, breastfeeding should continue through the infant's first 12 months of life and until it is no longer desired by the mother and infant.
Breastfeeding does not have to be "all or nothing." Human milk and iron-fortified infant formula feeding can be combined, known as mixed feeding.
Infants who are exclusively breastfed or mixed fed will need a vitamin D supplement (400 IU/day).
Infants should typically be fed on demand, when the infant shows signs of hunger, unless medically advised otherwise.

"Expressing" is the removal of human milk either by hand or breast pump.
Expressing human milk can help relieve overly full (engorged) breasts and can provide milk to the infant when mother and infant are apart.

For more information on expressing human milk can be found at: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/

Breastfed infants have a lower risk of getting some infections and diseases such as asthma, ear infections, and type 2 diabetes.
For most infants, human milk is easier to digest than infant formula.
Mothers that breastfeed have a lower risk of getting certain types of breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Breastfeeding promotes mother-infant bonding.

For the most part, nutrition recommendations for mothers who are breastfeeding is very similar to recommendations for the general population. A variety of foods and beverages from all of food groups should be consumed.
Mothers who are breastfeeding have an increased need for iodine and choline.
- Some good food sources of iodine are dairy products, eggs, seafood, and iodized table salt
- Some good food sources of choline are dairy products, eggs, meat, some seafood, beans, peas, and lentils
Eating seafood while breastfeeding is encouraged, avoiding choices high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

For more information on safe seafood consumption can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

It is advised to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine intake while breastfeeding. Mothers considering consuming alcohol and/or caffeine while breastfeeding should talk to their health care provider.
Unless medically advised, foods do not need to be limited or avoided while breastfeeding to prevent the infant from developing a food allergy.

There are many factors that can impact the ability to breastfeed, and these can change as an infant develops. Some of these challenges cannot be prevented, but there are many tips, resources, and supports to help overcome potential barriers.
A fed baby is best, so if challenges cannot be overcome, discuss with your health care provider to determine the best alternative.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Support	wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/
International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) *Find a Lactation Consultant Directory	www.ilca.org
La Leche League International (LLLI)	www.llli.org
La Leche League USA (LLL USA) *Breastfeeding Support Meeting Locator	lllusa.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Children	www.healthychildren.org
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - The Montana Coalititon (HMHB-MT) *Linking Infants & Families to Supports (LIFTS) Online Resource Guide	www.hmhb-lifts.org
Dietary Guidlines for Americans (DGA) 2020-2025	www.dietaryguidelines.gov
Women, Office of Women's Health (OWH)	www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Helpline	1-800-994-9662