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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / Why Pediatricians Recommend Breastfeeding 6 Months or Longer

Why Pediatricians Recommend Breastfeeding 6 Months or Longer

December 12, 2016 By Site Admin

Infant nursing: All About Women Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Blog

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for both a new mom and baby, but it can also be difficult. Many new moms fear they aren’t producing enough milk or experience common, often painful, issues like mastitis or thrush, which leaves them wondering if it’s truly worth the effort.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following schedule for a breastfed baby:

Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

Exclusively breastfeeding a baby for the first six months has numerous health and nutritional benefits. It also tends to create a very strong connection between mother and baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Here are 5 major benefits of breastfeeding:

  • More nutrients and vitamins. Mother’s milk naturally contains healthy fats, protein, lactose and oligosaccharides, which are all important for a baby’s development. It also contains essential vitamins that are more bio-available (easier to absorb).
  • Boosted immune system. Breastfed babies receive antibodies through the milk that gives them a stronger immune system and the ability to fight off infections. They are also less likely to develop certain health issues such as: allergies, asthma, diabetes and leukemia.
  • More diverse palate. The taste of breast milk can change depending on the foods the mother eats. Because of this, breastfed babies are introduced to various flavors, making their palate well adjusted when introduced to solid foods.
  • Better digestive health. Breast milk is generally easier on a baby’s tummy than formula because it contains digestive enzymes that help break down the protein, and the protein itself is softer and more easily digested.
  • Minimal cost. There is little to no extra cost involved in breastfeeding unless a mother needs to pump and freeze milk for her baby during work hours or other time away from the baby. Additionally, most health insurance policies provide breast pumps for new mothers.

While these and other benefits make breastfeeding a wonderful choice for a mother and baby, there are circumstances that can prevent a mom or baby from being successful.

At All About Women, we want to provide the breastfeeding and postpartum support you need. If you have questions or concerns, talk with one of our skilled nurse midwives or obstetricians at our Gainesville or Lake City women’s clinic.

For more information about breastfeeding, read the following articles:

  • Breastfeeding 101
  • When Breast Isn’t Best: Signs for When to Avoid Breastfeeding

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Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Tagged With: baby care, baby time, breastfeeding

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

FL OBGYN   Services
All About Women
Gainesville and Lake City, Florida Obstetrics & Gynecology

Offices conveniently located in the heart of North Florida (Alachua County & Columbia County). Serving women of all ages and backgrounds
in and around Ocala, Williston, Chiefland, Perry, Live Oak, Lake City, Starke, Palatka and Gainesville.