Knowledge Base

Knowledge Base > FAQ > Breastfeeding

1. Do you support/recommend breastfeeding?
2. How long should I plan to breastfeed my child?
3. Why should I breastfeed my child?
4. I am planning on returning to work soon after I deliver. Should I still breastfeed my child?
5. If/when I return to work, when should I introduce a bottle?
6. I would like to do both breast and bottle. Is that okay?
7. I really don't want to breastfeed. Is that okay?
8. Does your office offer breastfeeding support?
9. Can you recommend any other resources for breastfeeding information?

1

Like most pediatricians, Dr. Alvis fully supports and recommends breastfeeding.

2

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 6-12 months of exclusive breastfeeding. Of course we understand that there are situations where this might not be possible.

3

There are many advantages to breastfeeding your child. Some of the advantages* include:

• Reduced risk and/or disease severity of many infectious diseases
• Reduced rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Increased infant intelligence
• Reduced risk of diabetes, leukemia, and lymphoma
• Reduced risk of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and asthma
• Earlier return of mothers to pre-pregnacy weight
• Reduced rates of maternal breast and ovarian cancer
• Reduced cost to parents
• Reduced "hassle factor" from not having to keep up with the many supplies commonly associated with bottle feeding
• Human milk for a human baby!

*This information was taken directly from the 2005 AAP Policy statement on breastfeeding. If you would like to see the actual document, click HERE.

4

Any amount of breastfeeding is better than none at all. Even if you can only breastfeed for two weeks this would still potentially be beneficial to both mother and baby.

5

Generally speaking it is best not to wait until the last minute to introduce a bottle if you are planning to return to work. Dr. Alvis generally recommends that you introduce a bottle at least two weeks before returning to work.

6

Yes it is. The studies that have been done about breastfeeding show that exclusive breastfeeding has the most advantages. However, even partial breastfeeding has many advantages that easily makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Occasionally some women do not produce enough milk for their baby and need to supplement, some parents just want to supplement, and others decide only to use formula. In general, babies turn out just fine no matter what you decide.

7

Of course. Formula fed babies turn out just fine.

8

Of course! Dr. Alvis and his staff have many years of combined experience on breastfeeding and are ready to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience.

9

Coming soon.