There’s been a lot of talk about breastfeeding and the right to breastfeed in public. While many people don’t agree about whether this should be done publicly, they do agree that there are many benefits of breastfeeding for both the mom and child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of Latina mothers breastfeed their newborns, but only 20% do so until 6 months and 27% do so up to a year. While many agree that the length of breastfeeding of your child varies, there are many benefits to breastfeeding your child for more than 6 months.
- Colostrum is the pre-milk that comes after delivery is filled with antibodies that protect babies.
- Breast milk is full of protein and low in sugar, so it fights hunger with just a little.
- Reduced incidences of pneumonia, colds, viruses, and even gastrointestinal infections.
- Helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
- Breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies.
- Lowers risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by half.
- Boosts brain development.
Benefits for the Mom
- Stronger bones and a lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- Oxytocin released when baby nurses help a uterus contract.
- Helps uterus return to normal size quicker.
- Great way to get to learn about your baby’s behavior and connect with your child.
- An effective way of birth control, about 98-99% effective.
- Lowers risk of some cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers.
- Women who don’t breastfeed or stop early have a higher risk for postpartum depression.
Most women that stop breastfeeding early do so because they don’t produce enough milk, so it becomes a painful process. There are things that you can do to increase milk production. For example, establishing a pumping routine will help build more milk production. Pumping after nursing can help boost production and even help you skip a feeding when you’re at work or busy. Make sure your baby nurses from both breasts during each nursing because this stimulates both breasts to make more milk.
Also, skip the pacifier because you lose time stimulating your milk production. Wear the right bra because wearing a bra that squeezes your breasts or that is too tight around the band can cause issues with milk flow. Foods that increase milk production are oats, and that includes oatmeal, granolas, oatmeal cookies, or even an oatmeal muffin. Foods to avoid include coffee, chocolate, citrus, broccoli, alcohol, spicy foods, garlic, peanuts, wheat, dairy, corn, shellfish, eggs, soy, and fish. Plus, don’t be shy about breastfeeding in public because as you can see there are many benefits for both you and your baby.