Feb 27, 2024

Breastfeeding - What’s the big deal anyway?

When families find out they are expecting, there are SO many decisions to be made such as: What pregnancy and baby products do we need? What will the nursery look like? Are we finding out the gender? What names do we like? Are we ready for our worlds to be rocked? Another big question: What about breastfeeding? This will be the focus here today.

Breast milk is the perfect nutrition source for babies

To start, it goes without saying that breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for babies. Just as babies are wonderfully made in and from our bodies, so is breast milk. It has hormones and the right amount of protein, sugar, fat, and most vitamins to help a baby grow and develop. It is also gentle on baby's developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems. Further, as baby grows, mother’s breast milk changes to meet the baby’s nutritional needs. The milk produced right after birth is called colostrum and it has the specific nutrients and antibodies that a baby needs in the first few days of life. It changes to breast milk in 3 to 4 days and continues to adapt as baby grows.

Breast milk provides health benefits to baby

Additionally, breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Research shows that breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have stomach bugs as well as ear, lung, and urinary tract infections. Amazingly, breast milk also transfers antibodies from the mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. A commonly asked question is whether or not a mother should continue to breastfeed when sick. Aside from a few severe illnesses, moms can and should continue to breastfeed their babies through sickness because their antibodies can help prevent illness or reduce the severity of illness for baby.

“If breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820,000 child lives would be saved every year.” -- World Health Organization

Breast milk provides health benefits to mom

In addition to being healthy for the baby, breastfeeding has health benefits for mamas too! Short term, the act of breastfeeding increases the amount of a hormone in mom’s body called oxytocin which helps the mother’s uterus (womb) after birth go back to the size it was before getting pregnant. It also helps her to stop bleeding after giving birth. Long-term, breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure to name a few.

Breastfeeding is convenient

Quite simply, breastfed babies can be fed anytime and anywhere as long as mama is present. There is no need to mix formula, prepare bottles, or make anything warm. It may be important to note that some mamas are comfortable breastfeeding publicly while others prefer more privacy (such as in lactation pods, changing rooms, or even in the car, etc.). (**Note, all 50 states have laws that allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.)

Further, because of “supply and demand,” breast milk won’t run out - as long as the milk continues to be removed on a regular basis, it will continue to “fill back up.” Lastly, breastfeeding is FREE!! You certainly can’t beat free!

Breast milk helps develop and strengthen the bond between mom and baby

Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition - it’s an amazing way to form and grow a trusting relationship between mom and baby.

Understandably, it is not the only way to form this connection, but as nearly any nursing mama can tell you, breastfeeding creates a powerful bond that is naturally reinforced around the clock from day one. When a mom responds to a baby’s feeding cues, it helps to develop a secure attachment. The baby also begins to associate his/her basic need (hunger) being met while also experiencing the familiar scent, feel, and closeness of his/her mama with each “dining experience.” Moving beyond mealtime, when baby is unwell, unsettled, tired, or hurt, breastfeeding is often the best and most effective remedy. All in all, research shows that when babies feel secure in the care of a primary caregiver, they go on to have better outcomes socially, educationally and emotionally. Breastfeeding can be a large source of this security.

Breast milk can be provided for as long as it works for mom and baby

Breast milk is recommended as an infant’s sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life. At that time, complementary foods can be added to the infant’s diet; however, breastfeeding can continue up to two years of age and beyond. As long as the relationship still works for both mama and baby, that’s all that matters.

Sadly, moms commonly have to deal with the opinions of others regarding breastfeeding, and about extended breastfeeding in particular. These opinions can potentially cause moms to have doubt or to second guess their feeding and parenting choices. I’m here to say, first and foremost, that it is no one else’s business what works best for a mom and her baby. There are plenty of nutritional and disease-preventing benefits for continuing to breastfeed a baby from infancy through toddlerhood. Not to mention, the incredible bond that continues to grow between mom and baby! That being said, when the breastfeeding relationship between mom and baby is no longer mutually beneficial, it may be time to stop.

Is breastfeeding possible for everyone?

While breastfeeding is a viable option for nearly all mothers, there are a few contraindications. These include the mother having certain medical conditions (e.g., galactosemia, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease), taking certain medicines, and/or using harmful drugs. If you are concerned that your situation may be a deterrent to breastfeeding, please reach out to your doctor or a lactation professional.

My experience with breastfeeding

I’ll be the first to say that my breastfeeding experiences, particularly with my first child, were NOT always easy. I remember crying many tears, attending what my husband called “boob class” weekly, and reaching out for as much support as I could get. I survived by setting goals to simply get through another day/week/month. However, as I got further into my breastfeeding journeys with each child, things got easier, and I learned to truly love and treasure my breastfeeding experiences. In fact, I’d even say it became like second nature. In my opinion, there is nothing in the world like knowing that MY body not only grew beautiful babies, but provided them with the utmost nourishment and comfort. Sickness, falls, and boo-boos were no match for what breastfeeding could and did provide for my children. I will be forever grateful for my breastfeeding experiences.

While breast milk is optimal, it is not always easy!

Despite the many amazing benefits described above, it doesn’t always mean that breastfeeding is easy. In fact, many moms require support, particularly initially, with latching, positioning, and other common breastfeeding challenges like nipple pain, engorgement, or possible low milk supply.

Those who pump and feed breast milk to their babies also often require additional help with determining proper fit and learning how to store their precious breast milk. Transitioning back to work for many breastfeeding moms can also be quite a challenge. If I have any advice to those considering or in the thick of breastfeeding, it’s please do not hesitate to reach out for support!

Let Latch on to Language help!

If you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, please reach out if I can be of any support to you. My goal is always to meet you where you are and to provide the necessary assistance you need to establish and/or continue developing one of the most miraculous relationships possible.

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Nursing clothes can certainly help make breastfeeding discreetly easier (if preferred by mama!).