Should I Breastfeed?
Congratulations on the upcoming birth and arrival of your new baby! This is such an exciting time in your life. It’s also a time filled with decisions concerning the health and well being of your growing family.
One of the decisions you are probably considering is whether to breast or bottle-feed your baby. Are you asking yourself “Is it really all that important to breastfeed?” and “Will I be able to do it?” The answer to both of these questions is YES! Making the decision to breastfeed your baby is the first step to starting your family off to “a life well lived.”
The benefits of breastfeeding your baby are numerous and have been well researched and documented. Studies show that breastfeeding can decrease the risk of ear and respiratory infections, stomach and intestinal infections, type 2 diabetes and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Breastfeeding also promotes better oral development and a higher IQ. Recent studies also show that exclusive breastfeeding decreases the risk of pediatric and adult obesity. Most importantly, because of protection against respiratory infections, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of your baby getting sick during the flu season. Breast milk is also perfectly suited to your baby’s nutritional needs and continues to change in composition as your baby grows. Because of these benefits, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for approximately the first six months and supports breastfeeding for the first year and beyond, as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
So, we know breastfeeding is great for babies, but what about you?
One of the first benefits of breastfeeding is less uterine bleeding after birth. A hormone called oxytocin is released while the baby is breastfeeding, which causes the uterus to contract resulting in less blood loss. This also helps the uterus return to its normal pre-pregnant size much quicker. Prolactin (the “mothering” hormone) and other endorphins are also released during breastfeeding, which help the mother feel relaxed. This makes it easier and more natural to form an emotional attachment with the newborn baby during the early days and weeks of mothering. Studies also show there is a correlation between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer and the development of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Since breastfeeding burns calories, this makes it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy. Of course, because breastmilk comes in a ready to feed, clean and pre-warmed container, there is no mess and no hurry to mix and prepare bottles when your baby is hungry and ready to feed. This certainly makes breastfeeding environmentally friendly and not to mention FREE!
So, now that you know the benefits of breastfeeding, you may still be wondering if breastfeeding is for you. Many mothers are concerned that breastfeeding might be too difficult or it might hurt or they may not make enough milk for their baby. Additional concerns are for the woman returning to work that it might be difficult to juggle breastfeeding and working.
These are all valid concerns. While there are rare occasions when a mother may not be able to produce enough milk, there are steps a new mother can take to make breastfeeding a more successful and rewarding experience.
- DO take a prenatal breastfeeding class and invite your partner to come with you. This class should help you learn how to get breastfeeding off to a good start in the hospital and beyond. This class should also teach you about proper positioning and latch techniques that prevent discomfort and help the baby take more milk out of the breast during feeding.
- DO read good books like “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.”
- DO beware of books or programs that promote strict scheduling and teaching the baby to sleep through the night during the first weeks. These techniques sabotage successful breastfeeding and can lead to a decrease in milk supply.
- DO inform your prenatal healthcare provider who will be attending the birth of your baby that you would like to hold your baby skin to skin after birth until the baby has a chance to attempt breastfeed.
- DO attempt breastfeeding within the first one hour after birth along with holding baby skin to skin.
- DO ask the nursing staff not to bathe your baby until you have had a chance to attempt breastfeeding
- If you have a cesarean section, DO NOT ask to be heavily sedated (unless there is a medical reason) so you may be more alert in the recovery room to hold your baby skin to skin and attempt breastfeeding
- DO avoid bottles of supplementary feedings in the hospital unless there is a medical reason.
- DO ask to keep the baby with you at all times so you can respond to baby’s feeding cues.
- DO breastfeed your baby when your baby cues to feed.
- DO realize that many babies are very sleepy during the first 24 hrs. and not may be very interested in breastfeeding. This is normal.
- DO ask for help with positioning and latch. Many hospitals nursing staff are trained to assist with basic breastfeeding education and assistance.
- DO Ask for a visit by a Lactation Consultant if one is offered in your hospital.
- DO limit visitors in the hospital and in the early days at home so you can rest, spend more time getting used to your baby and sleep while your baby sleeps
- DO ask for support and encouragement from your partner and family members.
- DO seek out other mothers who had positive breastfeeding experiences and learn from them
Returning to Work
If you plan to return to work, you can still breastfeed while you are home and have your child care provider give your baby expressed breast milk while you are at work. You can even start expressing and storing milk as early as three weeks after birth.
Some mothers think they must start giving their baby supplemental feedings in the hospital so the baby can learn to bottlefeed. This is not necessary and can lead to breastfeeding problems for the baby. A baby CAN learn to take a bottle very easily and not disrupt breastfeeding around three weeks after birth, when breastfeeding is well established.
Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a mother’s life. The most important thing to remember is to relax, give you and your baby time to learn the art of breastfeeding, get plenty of rest and take the time to enjoy your baby in the first days and weeks.
For more information about breastfeeding, breastpumping or returning to work and breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider or call your local birthing center, hospital or health department for lactation support services near you.
