Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding awareness is truly my passion.  I am currently finishing up my Health Sciences Degree so that I can become a Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  During my youngest son’s first year of life I was able pump and donate over 3000 ounces of breast milk to the International Breast Milk Project. www.breastmilkproject.org  Human milk is so beneficial and yet is such a precious commodity and is needed around the country.  I hope to spread the word and get more women involved in donating their extra breast milk.    

My first shipment of breast milk!

 

Before I start blasting out all the benefits of breastfeeding I want to explain my position.  I do believe breastfeeding is best; however, I also support mothers who choose formula for whatever reason. I realize that breastfeeding may not work for all women depending on lifestyle, comfort level and even medical reasons.  Nowadays, formula has been designed to closely resemble breast milk.  There are a few things you cannot emulate, but formula is a perfectly viable option.    

I breastfed both of my boys for their first year of life, and I can’t say it is the easiest option but I felt like it was the best option.  Healthcare professionals like to advertise breastfeeding as being convenient, cost effective and of course, effective in fighting against infections, allergies and many chronic conditions.  I agree; however, I went through many trials as well, while breastfeeding both of my babies.  I had problems with latch-on which leads to sore nipples, thrush (overgrowth of yeast in the baby’s mouth), and always wondering whether they were getting enough milk or not.  In order to breastfeed for a long period of time you need education, a support system and determination, all of which I was lucky to have.  Because breastfeeding has its downfalls, having a support system and someone you can depend on for advice is imperative.  I believe more women would attempt breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer if they had the instruction and support they needed in order to develop good supply and a strong nursing relationship with their baby. 

Here is why I chose to breastfeed:

Breast milk contains a minimum of 100 ingredients not found in formula including at least four unique proteins.  Breast milk contains distinctive and powerful immune building properties that can enhance brain development. Breast milk contains cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses. It contains endorphins, or chemicals that suppress pain. It provides baby with an unequaled immunity against viruses and bacteria and it always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates, enzymes and protein as well as numerous other components. Breast milk is a living substance, and it is individually tailored for each woman’s own baby, consequently, it changes constantly, both during a feed and day by day, to meet your baby's evolving needs.  Breast milk also contains antibodies produced when a mother is exposed to pathogens in the environment and the mother's antibodies are then passed on to her baby via her breast milk.
 
Breastfeeding has been shown to raise your child's I.Q. (the longer you breastfeed the higher the I.Q. advantage) and there are numerous studies pointing to higher developmental test scores in breastfed children.  They produce more antibodies in response to immunizations. Breastfed babies are 10 times less likely to be admitted to the hospital during the first year and have up to 50% fewer ear infections than bottle fed babies. They are also one-third less likely to die of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than formula fed babies.  Breastfed babies also have a much lower incidence of many childhood afflictions including colic, gas, spitting up, wheezing, prolonged colds, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, German measles, childhood cancers, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, diabetes, asthma, cardiopulmonary disturbances, diaper rashes, stomach infections, cavities, asthma, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, food allergies and eczema.  Plus, women who were breastfed as infants showed lower risk of developing pre-menopausal or postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women who were formula fed as an infant.

Breastfeeding enhances the baby's development of oral muscles and facial bones and it promotes good jaw development as well. Its harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth.

If that isn’t enough, there are also numerous benefits to the mother as well.  Breastfeeding mothers have lower rates of certain cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial) as well as a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Breastfeeding encourages uterine contractions after childbirth, returning the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size much faster.

Breastfeeding also boosts prolactin and oxytocin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that enhances feelings of nurturing and contentment and helps you feel relaxed, loving, and calm and can also help reduce postpartum depression. Nursing your baby can boost your self-reliance and self esteem by meeting the needs of your baby, as well as increase your confidence in your ability to parent and nurture your child. There is no preparation involved, and you don't have to prepare, warm, or transport bottles, and it provides time for you and your baby to bond and develop trust. The skin-to-skin contact offered by breastfeeding reduces the stress babies experience when they enter the world from the warmth and safety of the womb.

I hope to pass along to other mothers the knowledge and experience I have gained from my experience of nursing my two boys. My goal is to strengthen every mother’s confidence in herself and her body and to help her provide the best start in life for her child.

It is also important that you know your rights as a nursing mother.  To the best of my knowledge most states allow you to nurse in any and all public places.  Colorado law states: A mother may breastfeed in any place she has the right to be. (Colorado Revised Statutes 25-6-302) Check your state for laws and be sure to practice your rights!

If you have any questions or need support I urge you to get a hold of me.  I would love to help you in any way I can!

~Consistently Delightful