Every baby deserves a healthy start. Breastfeeding delivers just the right nutrients necessary for an infant’s growth and confers numerous health advantages for both mother and child.
Every mother’s experience with breastfeeding is different. Whether this is your first baby or you have many, each baby is unique. Breastfeeding will be a learning process. As your baby masters latching, sucking, and swallowing, you’ll learn the correct positions for feeding, how to recognize and respond to hunger signals, and how to maintain your milk supply and breast health. Breastfeeding offers a special emotional bond between mother and child. It’s a parenting activity exclusive to the mother, fostering a profound physical and emotional connection. Loved ones, including your partner, the baby’s siblings, and extended family, can all cherish the warm welcome given to the newest family addition.
Nonetheless, we understand the decision of whether or not to breastfeed is a personal one. As a new or expectant mother, you are entitled to support regardless of your feeding choice. World Breastfeeding Month is an opportune moment to educate yourself on the benefits and realities of breastfeeding.
Benefits for the Baby
Breast milk is considered the ultimate nourishment for your baby, offering a perfect blend of ingredients to support a robust immune system and overall growth. It supplies all the necessary nutrition for the first six months of life, with no need for additional food or water, simplifying the feeding process. Breast milk is rich in easily digestible nutritional elements, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties, and live antibodies. It also contains natural soothing agents for infants. As your baby develops, your milk adapts to meet their evolving nutritional needs. For example, the American Pregnancy Association notes that initial breast milk is richer in fat and lower in water, but by three months, it contains less fat and more water. Breastfeeding is closely linked to a strong immune system; it transfers your antibodies to your baby, providing an early defense against infections. Studies indicate that breastfed infants have lower incidences of ear infections, respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies. Additionally, breast milk forms a protective layer in your baby’s stomach to prevent germs from establishing themselves.
Benefits for Mom
Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift for both mother and baby. Many mothers value the fulfillment and joy that come from the physical and emotional bond formed during nursing. This bond is strengthened by hormones like prolactin, which creates a peaceful, nurturing feeling, allowing mothers to relax and concentrate on their child, and oxytocin, which fosters a deep sense of love and attachment. These experiences often encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding subsequent children. Breastfeeding mothers typically return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly and have a reduced risk of breast and uterine cancer. It also aids in the normalization of the uterus and reduces postpartum blood loss. Additionally, it can pause menstruation for up to 12 months. Numerous medical authorities, such as The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly advocate for breastfeeding. As your baby grows, it’s important to understand what to expect during the breastfeeding journey because it is a journey, after all. Visit the CDC’s website for more information.
Many of Community Care’s pediatric practices have nursing staff with extra training in breastfeeding support. This wonderful service is available for new mothers who may be having difficulty with nursing. Please note that not all of our practices have lactation nurses. For more information or to inquire, call your pediatrician’s office.
Source clevelandclinic.org womenshealth.gov healthychildren.org cdc.gov