At USF Health, we are committed to giving support to moms learning or having difficulty breast feeding their baby. We host a breast feeding support group twice monthly, so moms can share their concerns and our health care providers and breastfeeding specialists can provide much needed information and guidance as needed.

Breast milk has optimum nutrition for your baby’s growth and development, including the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein and minerals. It also includes antibodies that are critical for protecting your baby from certain illnesses (ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, allergies) and offering a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding also benefits you, offering a release of hormones important for returning your uterus to its normal size, possibly decreasing the amount of bleeding you have after giving birth, and potentially reducing your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

There are many sources for helpful breastfeeding tips, including lactation consultants, nurses and physicians. Make use of these resources when questions or concerns arise, acting early before frustration or problems have time to grow. 

A great resource can be found at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)