Breastfeeding Has Benefits for Both Mom & Baby
When a new baby is on the way, there are so many decisions to be made. One of the most important decisions you will make is how to feed your baby. This is a personal decision, and the answer is not the same for every individual. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both baby and mom, so it is important to learn the facts about breastfeeding when making a decision. However, what matters most is finding what works for you, your family, and of course, your new little baby.
Breastfeeding has many benefits, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (including from pumped milk) for six months, with complementary foods introduced around six months. However, only about 1 in 4 infants is exclusively breastfed by 6 months of age. The AAP also supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child.
Why is breastfeeding so good for your baby? As a starting point, human milk is a superfood for babies. Human milk provides all the nutrients, calories, and fluids needed for your baby’s health. It supports your baby’s brain development and growth, is the easiest food for your baby to digest, continues to deliver healthy antibodies to your infant, and helps your baby to fight off colds and infections.
Breastfeeding can also protect an infant from conditions such as asthma, eczema, diabetes, tooth decay, ear infections, and obesity. Breastfeeding has even been shown to reduce your child’s risk of childhood leukemia and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mom as well. Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. It has also been linked with lower rates of postpartum depression in new moms. Breastfeeding is a special and unique way to feel connected to your baby, which can provide emotional benefits to mom and baby.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but with so many benefits, it is important to take time in making the best decision for you and your baby. However, the most important thing is to have a healthy, well-fed baby. Breastfeeding does not have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Giving your child some breastmilk still offers benefits, even if supplemented with infant formula. In general, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits will be to you and your baby, and the longer those benefits will last.
If using infant formula exclusively is determined to be the best option for you and your baby, this is completely ok. Each family has unique challenges in making their choice. Support and resources are available for you, for whatever decision you make.
Many resources are available to support infant feeding. Your healthcare provider is a great starting point. In addition, lactation specialists are available in our community to answer your questions and provide extra assistance, through Jackson County Public Health and WIC, Krohn Clinic, Children's Wisconsin, and Ho-Chunk Health Care Center. We encourage you to reach out for help, if needed. You can call Jackson County Public Health at 715-284-4301 to be connected with a specialist who can help meet your needs.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.
