Did you know that most babies in the United States have been breastfed? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 83.1% of infants have been breastfed for at least part of the first six months of their life. Breastfeeding is a skill that takes a little time to develop, but there are many benefits — for the baby, the mother and the family.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
“Babies who are breastfed are provided with perfect nutrition and everything they need for healthy growth and brain development,” said Amanda Baker, MSN, CRNP, IBCLC, a board-certified lactation consultant with Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN. “Breastfeeding offers a reduced risk of respiratory infections, certain diseases such as otis media and other life threatening ailments — particularly with premature infants. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of obesity and non-communicable disease such as asthma and diabetes.”
Statistics show that breastfed babies are healthier from the start. They have fewer doctor visits, less severe diarrhea, fewer respiratory infections, fewer ear infections and reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
“Breastfeeding can offer benefits to postpartum mothers,” said Amanda. “Breastfeeding can reduce postpartum bleeding by helping the uterus involute along with providing risk reduction for ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and premenopausal breast cancer for the mother. Also, mothers often discuss the bonding between her and her infant as more notable with breastfeeding.”
Should you consider breastfeeding?
Not every mother can or wants to breastfeed. Some mothers cannot produce a healthy breast milk supply; some may take certain medications or undergo procedures that are not safe for breastfeeding; and some may have medical conditions that are not compatible with breastfeeding.
Many mothers who do breastfeed may need some help. It may take time to establish a nursing routine, and some mothers will struggle to achieve a good latch with their newborn. But even if your baby is not properly latching at first, you can develop a good latch with time and practice. Remember, new moms and their babies are learning together, so being patient and persistent is important.
What should you do before delivery?
Before your baby is born, talk to your healthcare provider who can identify your needs and provide you with the resources to have the best possible breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding instruction is also part of most prenatal classes, which is another great resource to get ready before the baby comes.
What should you do after delivery?
Place your infant skin-to-skin with the mother for one hour following delivery or until the first breastfeeding is successful. During that first hour, many healthcare providers recommend practicing “The Golden Hour,” during which only the mother and a support person are in the delivery room with the baby to encourage bonding.
What should you do while breastfeeding?
Most babies should be fed 8 to 12 times every 24 hours, and if you are able to breastfeed, babies should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. Healthcare providers recommend avoiding the use of artificial nipples or pacifiers unless the infant is preterm, has neonatal abstinence syndrome or is undergoing painful procedures. If you have difficulty breastfeeding after being discharged, meet with a lactation consultant as needed.
Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN and The Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois create a culture of breastfeeding education and understanding. They provide lactation support to all mothers wishing to breastfeed, including pre-hospital breastfeeding instruction during prenatal classes at Penn Highlands DuBois. Support is also offered after the baby arrives. Lactation counselors help new moms following deliveries, and upon discharge and the staff is happy to take calls from new moms who may have breastfeeding questions or concerns. For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/breastfeeding.