Patient Care Team

As your pediatric and family care practice, our goal first and foremost is to provide the best well and healthcare, resources and information/options to our families. At Total Family Care, we stand firm on the importance of vaccinations in children (and parents), as well as starting your newborn on breast milk.

Over the years there have been many studies on the importance of breastfeeding. There is no doubt the data is indisputable. We understand not all Moms can breastfeed (for various reasons) however when you can, please consider this for at the least the first 6 months of your baby’s life. There are major benefits not only to baby, but for mom too!

AAP, JAMA Pediatrics, World Health Organization all agree on the benefits of breast feed babies with decreased risk of:

• Bacterial Infections
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory & Ear Infections
• Diabetes
• Obesity

The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition through the first year of life.   At TFC, we recommend exclusively breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby’s life, and then gradually adding solid foods while continuing breastfeeding until at least the baby’s first birthday. Thereafter, breastfeeding can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire it.

“There’s no arguing that breastfeeding is considered the gold standard of nutrition,” CBS News medical contributor Dr. Tara Narula told “CBS This Morning.”

This based on the fact that it has special nutrients, she explains. “It has hormones, antibodies, enzymes, live cells and so that is why the American Academy of Pediatrics and others recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed until six months and then to go on to continue breastfeeding up to one year with, at that point, the addition of foods,” Narula said.  Dr. Lightman has written about cereal before 6 months and reasons to not move so quickly on adding cereals to your babies diet.

Narula notes that of course there are women who cannot breastfeed or choose not to, and that is a safe option in the United States.

“In that case, formula is a safe and healthy alternative option,” she said. “It’s been around since the 1920s. It’s evolved over time to try to meet the composition and performance of breast milk. It’s never going to meet it exactly because it doesn’t have the antibodies, but manufacturers have to meet nutrient requirements set by the FDA and they all have similar compositions of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, mineral, water and fat.”

It is important to research and talk to your Pediatrician for recommendations of formula and what is best for your baby.  This can be discussed over the telephone and/or at your consultation with a new pediatric practice or when you register your newborn on TFC Patient Portal – Send a Message to Our Providers!

As always we are here for your growing families – Stay Healthy and Informed with Total Family Care 5 Towns and Rockaways!

Well Visits for first 12 months are Often

Reminder to Schedule In Advance To Get

Provider of Choice, Best Time and Date