Feeding Your Baby

Woman and child driving in a car.

Feeding your baby is one of the first things you do as a parent. It is also one of the ways that you develop a relationship with this new family member. When feeding goes well, everyone in the family is happier. This 3-page publication can help you develop a close feeding relationship with your baby. The skills you learn will also help you and your child avoid conflicts over food during the toddler and preschool years. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Nicole Owens Duffy, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he964

The Effects of Caffeine on Lactation (FAR0423/FM354)

cup of coffee“Human milk is the preferred food for infants, with exceptional physiological benefits not only for the baby but for the mother as well. Mothers need to be aware, though, that many substances that they consume are excreted in breast milk and can profoundly affect the composition and adequacy of her breastmilk. Even caffeine, which many of us consume on a daily basis in our coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate, finds its way into breast milk.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Ashley Orynich and Linda Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm354

Breastfeeding during Disaster (FAR0430/FM429)

mother nursing baby“As we’ve learned over the past couple of years, disaster can strike anyone, anywhere, and anytime. A natural disaster, whether hurricane, tornado, flood, or tsunami, can devastate areas and leave families without resources, sometimes for long periods of time. And while people of all ages suffer, infants can be at far greater risk. However, mothers can save their infants’ lives and protect them from illness by simply breastfeeding, even if they haven’t been breastfeeding their baby.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Donna Davis, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm429

The Benefits of Breastfeeding (FCS8994/FY1269)

Figure 1. Breastfeeding benefits mother and baby.Experts agree that breast milk is the best food for babies for the first six months of life. It is a healthy choice that offers many benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrients and antibodies, and breastfeeding helps to create a strong bond between mother and child. For the mother, it may help to lose weight gained during pregnancy and reduce the chances of developing common diseases like diabetes and breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is also economical, convenient, and natural. This 5-page fact sheet informs new mothers about why breastfeeding is a great choice. Written by Cassie C. Rowe, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1269

FCS8726/FY457 Breastfeeding: Benefits for Babies, Mothers, and Society

Revised! FCS8726, a 2-page fact sheet by Claudia Peñuela and Jennifer Hillan, lists the benefits for breastfeeding for babies, mothers, and society. Includes tips for breastfeeding and references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY457