Happy National Breastfeeding month! Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies for the first six months of their lives. It provides all the nutrients and water your baby needs in the right amounts, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of your child’s life. After that, you can begin supplementing with solids while continuing to nurse until your child is one or beyond (if desired by both you and your baby). In addition to nutrition, breastfeeding has several other benefits for both the baby and the parent. Read on for more information.
Breastfeeding Benefits for the Immune System
Breast milk strengthens your baby’s immune system by providing antibodies to fight infection. Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is particularly rich in immune-boosting components, but protective antibodies remain present throughout breastfeeding. These antibodies, combined with the milk’s proteins, fats, and sugars, support your baby in fighting gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses, with benefits that often continue even after breastfeeding ends. Research has revealed that breastfed babies are less likely to get ear infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and some forms of meningitis, as well as lower their risk for leukemia and lymphoma. Breast milk also contains probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria, which can reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, obesity, and chronic conditions later in life.
Bonding and Development Benefits from Breastfeeding
The skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding helps nurture the emotional bond between you and your baby. It also helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and stress levels while providing comfort and reassurance. Studies show that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 64%, and reduces overall infant mortality by as much as 40%. Nursing also supports sleep, brain development, and emotional growth in infants.
Breastfeeding Benefits for the Parent
For nursing parents, breastfeeding offers many health benefits as well. It can lower the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, improve bone density, and help with getting better sleep. It may also aid postpartum recovery and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, breastfeeding can provide metabolic support to return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Breastfeeding Advice and Frequency
It’s recommended to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth whenever possible. During the first year, babies typically nurse 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, depending on hunger cues. You can tell if your baby is getting enough milk when they produce at least six wet diapers per day once milk supply is established. It’s important to keep track of their weight, which your pediatrician can help you with.
If you return to work or need to be away from your infant, pumping breast milk can help maintain your supply and ensure your baby continues to get breast milk. Always follow the breast pump manufacturer’s instructions, keep the equipment clean, and store milk properly in the refrigerator or cooler if it isn’t used immediately. Massaging your breasts before pumping can help stimulate milk flow. For guidelines on proper milk storage, check out this guide. For tips on how to clean your pump parts, click here.
As a reminder, make sure to schedule your newborn’s first check-up within 72 hours of hospital discharge. Your pediatrician can assess whether your baby is getting enough milk, address any feeding concerns, and provide additional breastfeeding guidance. To learn about our breastfeeding support and lactation services, please contact our office.
