The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding until a child's first birthday. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients needed to help a baby grow and develop.
Breast milk has complete nutrition for your baby's first 6 months, has antibodies that help build babies' immune system and helps protect them from flu, colds, ear infections, and allergies, is easily digested, is always ready, at the right temperature and has NEVER been recalled!
Colostrum is mother’s first milk and has complete nutrition for a newborn baby in the first days before mature milk comes in. Colostrum coats and protects the digestive system while helping babies pass their first bowel movement. It also has antibodies that build the immune system and provide protection from diseases
Recognize your baby’s feeding cues and feed your baby on demand (whenever your baby is hungry).
Breastfeeding and returning to school or work
Preparation is key! Discuss your breastfeeding plan with your employer or school nurse before your baby is born. To help prepare you for your return to work or school, check out the "Making It Work Toolkit". This toolkit provides helpful tips including how to talk to your supervisor, Expressing & Pumping breast milk and more.
For preparation guidance on your return to work or school, check out the Making It Work Toolkit. Have your breastfeeding plan ready and discuss it with your Employer or School Nurse.
Breast milk storage
Breast milk can be stored for up to:
• 4 days in the refrigerator
• 6 months in the freezer
• 12 months in a deep freezer
Additional tips for breast milk storage: Storing Your Milk
WIC can help!
Families participating in WIC can seek breastfeeding support and guidance from the Program’s nutrition staff, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) and Peer Counselors. Additionally, breast pumps are available for WIC eligible breastfeeding women based on a breastfeeding assessment. Visit the Westchester County Department of Health WIC Program for information on locations and hours.
Additional Resources:
- The National Breastfeeding helpline: 1-800-994-9662
- Consumer Resources/Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- Breastfeeding Partners
- La Leche League of New York
- CDC Breastfeeding Pages
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Healthy People 2020