Help With Breastfeeding
And the Benefits for Mother and Baby

Despite being a natural process, breastfeeding may be difficult, especially at first, and does not come easily to all mothers and babies. For these reasons, many physicians recommend that new mothers work with a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are specialists who have the knowledge and background to assess breastfeeding problems and assist mothers in correctly positioning the baby and ensuring proper attachment to the breast.

Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who are available to consult with the breastfeeding mothers. Hospitals may also offer lactation centers, to provide education, support and equipment for breastfeeding mothers.

Despite the most concerted efforts or best intentions, some mothers may not be able to breastfeed, or have been cautioned against breastfeeding, due to their own health issues. Women who have chronic illnesses may need to take precautions when breastfeeding. For example, mothers who are diabetic may need to eat slightly more, to ensure their blood sugar levels do not drop to unsafe levels. Some women who have had previous breast surgery may also experience some difficulty breastfeeding but working with their physician or lactation consultant may help to alleviate these.

Some conditions that mothers may experience while breastfeeding, including engorgement, hardening of the breast or abscesses are NOT reasons to stop breastfeeding. In fact, for women experiencing engorgement, emptying the breast will help relieve the problem. Mothers who have health conditions or who take medications or over-the-counter supplements should discuss breastfeeding with their physician.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your infant and provides numerous benefits for both of you.

For baby, breastfeeding:

• Provides the right balance of nutrients to help an infant grow.
• Results in fewer illnesses during the first year than babies who are not breastfed.
• Provides protection against some common childhood illnesses, through transfer of antibodies from the mother, such as diarrhea and ear infections.
• Provides important fatty acids (building blocks) that help an infant’s brain develop. Two specific fatty acids, known as DHA and AA, may help increase infants’ cognitive skills.

For the mother, breastfeeding:

• Causes the mother’s body to release a hormone that makes her uterus contract and return to its normal size.
• Can provide positive emotional benefits because of the closeness and interaction with baby and knowing she is providing nourishment to baby.
• May result in a reduced incidence of post-partum depression.
• May result in fewer incidences of certain cancers, including breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

Editorial provided by Rebecca Martin, BA, RN, IBCLC, a Lactation Consultant at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO.