August is National Breastfeeding Month. Now breastfeeding isn’t for everyone but the goal is to give all who desire to breastfeed the education and access to do so. This means educating and empowering workplaces and communities to create breastfeeding-friendly environments for all families.

When you get the news that you’re pregnant, breastfeeding benefits or challenges aren’t likely the first thoughts that come to mind. However, the closer you get to your due date, you might find yourself looking for information regarding breastfeeding. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to breastfeed.

There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both baby and mom. Breastfeeding helps to create a strong bond between mother and child, and it also provides important nutrients that help keep the baby healthy. For mothers who are unable to breastfeed, there are still many ways to provide baby with the benefits of breast milk. 

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Why Breastfeed?

There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mom. Breastfeeding helps to create a strong bond between mother and child, and it also provides important nutrients that help keep the baby healthy.

What benefits does breastfeeding have for mom?

1. Health Benefits
2. Quicker Recovery
3. Convenience

Health Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby but also benefits moms.  It helps to lower the risk of diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

READ MORE: Keep Your Heart Healthy & Kick heart disease to the Curb!

Quicker Recovery

Breastfeeding can also lead to faster postpartum weight loss. Who doesn’t love a good quick weight loss trick? Breastfeeding also helps to decrease the risk of postpartum bleeding. This is because the act of breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin that contracts the uterus more quickly. 

Breastfeeding is also good for the mom’s mental health. It releases hormones that promote positive feelings thereby decreasing one’s risk for postpartum depression. 

Convenience

Simply put, you don’t have to dig through a bag to put a bottle together, mix formula, etc. You can just feed on the go. 

What benefits does breastfeeding have on the baby?

Health Benefits for Baby

Breastfeeding can pass immunity from mom to baby. How? Well, we all have been exposed to germs and viruses either through having the disease or the vaccine to a disease. Our bodies carry antibodies that remember how to protect us if we encounter these diseases again. 

These antibodies can be found in breast milk meaning that the baby gets to have passive immunity for a few months after birth. That means fewer ear infections and stomach bugs during their infancy. 

As they grow older, breastfed children have less chance of being asthmatic, diabetic, obese, etc. This is partly because breast milk supports healthy development. As babies get older, their mother’s breast milk changes to meet their nutritional needs. Pretty cool, huh?

Tips for breastfeeding effectively

• Choose a comfortable position for both you and your baby. There are many different breastfeeding positions, so find one that works best for you.
• Make sure your baby is latched on correctly. This will ensure they are getting enough milk and help to prevent sore nipples.
• Relax! Breastfeeding can be stressful, but try to relax and enjoy the experience.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding, there are resources to help. Search in your area for lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, or breastfeeding classes. Breast pumps can also help express milk when it’s difficult to do it naturally.

Breastfeeding positions

There are many breastfeeding positions that you can try, so find one that works best for you and your baby. Here are a few examples:

• The Cradle Hold: Position your baby’s body so that it is resting in the crook of your arm. Use your other hand to support their head and neck.
• The Cross-Cradle Hold: Position your baby’s body across your chest, using your opposite arm to support their head and neck. This position is helpful if your baby has trouble latching.
• The Football Hold: Position your baby’s body so that it is resting on your forearm, with its head in your hand. Use a pillow to support your arm and help keep your baby in place. This position is great for nursing with twins, after a C-section, or just to help you get a good look at your bundle of joy while nursing. 
• The Side-Lying Position: Position your baby’s body so that it is lying on a surface facing you. This is also a good position for one after a C-section.
• The Laid-Back Position: Position your baby’s body so it is laying on your chest.

Whichever position you choose, make sure you are comfortable and your baby is latched on correctly. Changing positions can alleviate issues some have with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both you and your baby!

If You Can’t or Don’t Want to Breastfeed

There are several reasons why you cannot or do not desire to breastfeed. Sometimes the baby has trouble latching. Other times, lack of milk supply can make it so the baby doesn’t get enough to eat. Medical complications can also make breastfeeding difficult or impossible.  

For mothers who don’t breastfeed, there are still many ways to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk. While there are many benefits to breastfeeding, there are also many alternative ways to provide your baby with the nutrients they need.

• Formula: Commercial baby formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk. It has everything baby needs so no supplementation is needed. There are many different formulas available, so talk to your doctor to find one that is right for your baby.
• Pumping: If you are breast pumping, you can still provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk even if you can’t nurse them directly. Pump your milk and then give it to your baby in a bottle. You can even store your milk in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 6-12 months, according to the CDC.
• Donor Milk: If you are unable to produce enough breast milk, you can look into purchasing donor milk from a milk bank. Some women donate their milk so it is possible to obtain donor milk free of charge. This is a great option for babies who cannot have formula for medical reasons and brings the baby the same health benefits as breastfeeding.

No matter what route you choose, remember that you are doing what is best for you and your baby.  Happy breastfeeding month!

Resources for Moms

Breastfeeding Awareness Month (nichq.org)

CDC.gov

American Pregnancy Association