Will you breastfeed me after I am born?

I hope so, because it’s the best choice for you and me. There are many reasons to breastfeed:

Cost – Breast milk is free. No need to buy formula.

Nutrition – Breast milk has all the nutrients I need to grow and develop. It’s easy for me to digest.

Health – I am less likely to get sick. You are less likely to get ovarian or breast cancer.

Closeness – I will like being close to you .

Easy – No bottles to wash! No formula to mix! Ready to serve.

As they say, “breast is best!” Even if you are unsure about it, please try it for my sake.

Dear Mommy,Are you getting eager for me to be born? I bet you are, but I’m not quite ready to be born yet. Do you wonder what I’ll look like? I weigh about two pounds now, and I am more than 15 inches long. I need to stay inside of you for at least another month – hopefully two! I need to grow more and get stronger.

The good food you eat helps me grow. It gives you energy, too. Are you gaining too little or too much weight? Be sure to talk to the doctor about how much weight you should be gaining. If you’re gaining too much weight, try to watch what you eat. Cut down on foods with a lot of fat and sugar like fried foods (French fries, potato chips, donuts); dessert-type items (cookies, cake, ice cream); and other sugary foods (sweet drinks, candy). If you’re gaining too little weight, eat more foods that are full of nutrients, not foods with a lot of sugar and fat.

My Seventh MonthSP 723-G

Breastfeeding: Breast is bestIt’s never too early to get ready to breastfeed or nurse: u Check out books from the library on breastfeeding

or find information online.

u Buy a special nursing bra.

u Eat well and drink plenty of water.

u Talk to people who have breastfed to learn the ins and outs of it.

u Get support from your family and friends.

u See if your hospital has a “lactation” (breastfeeding) consultant.

u Find out if the department of health, the WIC office, or your hospital offers breastfeeding classes.

Call La Leche League toll-free at (877) 452-5324 or check the group’s website at www.lllusa.org for information and free resources,

Did you know that you can breastfeed even if you work? Yes, there are breast pumps that are designed to “express” (get out) your milk. Some women express milk for their babies if they work. Others use it so they have a little more freedom and can have some breaks from their baby. Many local departments of health will loan out breast pumps for free. Call your local department of health to see if they offer this program.

Bean, Cheese, and Tortilla Roll-up

Refried beans or whole beans of your choice (kidney, red, black, garbanzo)Shredded cheese (Monterey jack, Swiss, cheddar – whatever you like)Flour tortillaVegetables – Be creative and add some different vegetables such as:Tomatoes or salsa Lettuce Carrot strips

Cucumbers Squash SpinachCollard greens

Spread the beans onto the flour tortilla.Add cheese and veggies.Roll up and eat, or slice and make pinwheels!

© 2008 Medela, Inc. Used with permission of Medela, Inc., McHenry, IL

You may have wondered what kind of a parent you will be. Don’t be afraid that you won’t be a good mother. You will be a good mother. You will be the greatest thing in my world. You will teach me a lot. Even when I’m in here, I begin learning sounds. When I’m born, I’ll know who you are from your voice!

Reprinted with the permission of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Contact person for Tennessee: Janie Burney, Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences

R12-5310-221-017-14 1M-9/13 11-0028

Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development.University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and

county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities

in programs and employment.

ag.tennessee.edu