| The Importance of Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome from the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association |
| Mother2Mother Services |
| Education and Support for Nursing Mothers |
| Special Circum-stances: Down Syndrome |
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| Down Syndrome |
| About 1/850 - 1/1000 babies are born with Down syndrome, which usually occurs because a child receives an extra copy of Chromosome 21 from one of his or her parents. Because babies with Down syndrome frequently have low muscle tone & a poor, uncoordinated suck, may be sleepy, as well as possibly having smaller-than-typical lower jaws but with typical-sized tongues, breastfeeding a child with Down Syndrome can be a special challenge. The benefits of breastfeeding, however, can be especially important for the baby with Down syndrome, who may be more susceptible to respiratory infections and bowel problems. The skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding also provides extra stimulation, and breastfeeding can help develop the mother-baby bond. It also provides the best nutrition available for brain development. |
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| Last Updated on February 3, 2004 |
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