Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant directly through the breast. Medical experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly recommend breastfeeding. Although this is the case, breastfeeding remains a personal matter, and those who cannot practice it should not be shamed for not doing so. Some facts regarding breastfeeding include:
- Almost all drugs pass into breast milk. A breastfeeding mother must be certain not to take any medication without contacting her primary care provider to be certain it is compatible with breastfeeding.
- If a baby will be formula fed, be certain the parents understand the potential danger of warming bottles in a microwave oven (the inner core of milk may grow very hot).
- Caution parents not to prop bottles, because it increases the risk for aspiration and otitis media. It also deprives infants of the please of being held for feedings.
- To avoid baby bottle syndrome (cavities of the lower teeth), infants should not be put to bed with a bottle.
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