Nine Reasons Why Breastfeeding Is Great for Baby and You

You've heard it before: Breastfeeding offers the best food for babies. But did you know that breastfeeding has health benefits for moms too? If you decide to breastfeed your baby—and the choice is up to you—you may want to know more about the benefits for both of you. 

But first, it's important to know the current breastfeeding recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that mothers who choose/are able to breastfeed: 

• Feed their baby only breastmilk for six months. 

• Keep breastfeeding until about 12 months after starting to give their baby solid food. 

• Continue breastfeeding for as long as the mother and their baby want to. 

Now, about those breastfeeding benefits. They include: 

1. Breastfeeding is nutritious. Talk about superfood. Breast milk has all the calories and nutrients a baby needs to grow healthy and strong. Breast milk is packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support a baby’s growth and development, along with the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbs.  

2. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS. SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. No one knows exactly why, but breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 64%. 

3. Your baby might get sick less often. Breastfed babies tend to have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections and diarrhea. Mothers who choose/are to breastfeed pass some of their infection-fighting antibodies to their baby in breast milk. 

4. Breastfeeding may help protect a baby from illness later in life. These include asthma, diabetes and obesity. Some studies show that babies who are breastfed have less respiratory infections, ear infections, allergies and tummy issues. 

5. Breastfeeding may help protect mothers from some diseases too. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers.  

6. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. The closeness felt when holding a baby to the breast helps create an emotional connection. And it releases a hormone called oxytocin that helps mothers feel calm and enhances feelings of love and attachment.  

7. Breastfeeding can help mothers recover from childbirth. For mothers who choose/can, breastfeeding helps the uterus contract, reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding in recovery from labor and delivery. Studies show that breastfeeding can be helpful in lowering the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis. Calories burned during breastfeeding can help mothers who want to shed weight gained during pregnancy.  

8. Breastmilk is free. Mothers who choose/can breastfeed don't have to buy formula. 

9. It can be convenient. Mothers who choose/can breastfeed don't have to carry bottles around and mix and heat formula. 

How To Get Support 

Pregnancy, delivery, postpartum and motherhood can be tricky and challenging for any mother. Making the choice to breastfeed your baby is an extremely personal one. Whether you decide to breastfeed or formula-feed, you’ve made the choice that is best for you and your baby. At Lake Charles Memorial, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering women and mothers, regardless of their breastfeeding choice. 

Breastfeeding can be tricky, but a little practice can make things right. Your doctor or a lactation consultant at Lake Charles Memorial Health System can answer any questions you may have and teach you how to breastfeed. 

Breastfeeding Education at Lake Charles Memorial 

Along with lactation consultants, Lake Charles Memorial Health System offers breastfeeding classes for pregnant mothers. Our classes are recommended for the last three months of pregnancy and provide important information for mothers interested in breastfeeding. Participants will learn about positioning, latch-on, and the importance of assessing baby’s intake. Information for moms who plan to continue breastfeeding when returning to work or school is included. Dads and partners are welcome to attend, as well. Click here to learn more >>> 

Additional sources: Office on Women's Health; U.S. Department of Agriculture