Breastfeeding: Facts for Grandparents

Congratulations! Your grandchild is going to get the best possible nutrition because he/she is getting human milk. Your support will be very important for the parents of your grandchild. Breastfeeding is sometimes called bodyfeeding or chestfeeding depending on the parent’s preference.

Benefits for Your Grandchild

• Less risk of frequent ear infections, respiratory infections, or diarrheal infections
• Less risk of asthma, and allergies
• Less risk of childhood diabetes and obesity
• Less risk of some childhood cancers
• Less risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Benefits for the Mother

• Less risk for type 2 diabetes
• Less risk for breast and ovarian cancer
• Less risk of postpartum depression

What’s Normal for a Breastfeeding Baby?

• Your grandchild should feed at least 8 – 12 or more times per day. This is because human milk is easily digested. Frequent feeding does not mean there is not enough milk for the baby.
• There may be struggles with feeding in the first few days, but given time and practice, feedings will become easier. Encourage seeking help from a lactation consultant if things don’t seem to be going well.

What Can You Do to Help?

• Get baby ready to feed by unwrapping and waking the baby, and help stimulate the baby during feedings if needed.
• Bring snacks and fluids since nursing will cause mom to be thirsty.
• Help with household chores and care for older children in the house.
• Ask how you can help, and give praise for doing a great job!

Things to Remember About Breastfeeding

• Human milk supplies everything your grandchild needs and he/she does not need formula or water unless recommended by the pediatric provider. Human milk is the best nutrition for your grandchild.
• Babies cry for other reasons than being hungry.
• If you have other questions, concerns or you and the baby’s parents do not feel that feeding is going well, you can get help from organizations like La Leche League, WIC, peer counselors, and lactation consultants from your hospital or in your community and your grandchild’s pediatric provider.
• Remember, by you showing support and helping as needed, you will be giving your grandchild the best start possible.

Works Cited

Lawrence, Ruth A. & Lawrence, Robert M. “Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical Professional”, Ninth edition, ELSEVIER, 2022.