Whether you’re a first-time mother or a mother with previous children, the decision to breastfeed is a very personal choice. How long should you breastfeed for? Is it the best option for you and your baby? Will you be able to go back to your normal routine if you start breastfeeding? These and many other questions are real issues that women face. For some mothers, the decision to breastfeed is made quickly. For others, it may take a little time. Whatever part of the spectrum you find yourself on, Care for Women’s Medical Group is here to provide guidance and support.
In general, breastfeeding rates in the United States have remained high over the past few years. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggest that among infants born in 2015 about 83.2% were breastfed. The high number suggests that most mothers in the United States want to breastfeed and start doing so the first few months of a baby’s life.
Breastfeeding is supported by many national and international healthcare authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This support is based on the many benefits of breastfeeding that both mother and baby enjoy. Benefits such as:
- Nutrition: Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat — everything your baby needs to grow.
- Immunity: Breast milk helps your baby fight off infections. It contains antibodies that help your baby keep away viruses and bacteria.
- Fewer infections. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.
- Bonding between mother and baby: The mechanics of breastfeeding such as physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help mother and baby bond.
- Cost: Breastfeeding is free.
For mothers, benefits include:
- Losing pregnancy weight faster. Breastfeeding burns extra calories.
- Reduced bleeding post-birth. Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
- Breastfeeding also lowers a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
All these benefits make breastfeeding an attractive option to many parents. They also make it easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding well past the 6 month mark.
However, there are some challenges to consider. Breastfeeding is not always smooth sailing and many new mothers struggle with breastfeeding in the first few weeks. Although breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” it is more of an art that has to be learned by both the mother and the newborn. Knowing how to hold and position a baby at the breast or achieving an effective latch are techniques that may need to be taught. That’s where we can help. Mothers who receive guidance and feel supported throughout the process are much more likely to continue breastfeeding for a longer period of time.
Our trained lactation consultants can help women deal with some of these common challenges:
- Poor milk supply.
- Finding the right nursing position (especially after a C-section).
- Latching difficulties.
- Painful breasts (breastfeeding should not be painful).
- Nursing a baby that refuses to breastfeed.
- Emotional and physical barriers to breastfeeding.
- How to get a pumping schedule and routine established for going back to work.
Our lactation consultants can provide that extra level of support to help you get the best possible start on your breastfeeding journey.
We also recognize the other external challenges to breastfeeding. Attempting to achieve a work-life balance while nursing, not feeling comfortable breastfeeding in public spaces or even getting pressure from loved ones about whether to breastfeed or not.
Whatever challenges or hiccups you may encounter, our doctors and lactation consultants can provide support, guidance and access to resources. So as you navigate your own breastfeeding journey and start to make decisions about what’s best for you and your baby, please contact us to see how we can help.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics#1