Breastfeeding 101
Have you thought about breastfeeding your baby? Has someone suggested breastfeeding to you? Are you unsure about it? Breastfeeding can be a big decision to make for your growing family. Thinking about breastfeeding may bring up feelings of excitement, fear or even a combination of both! While you may have heard many reasons for and against breastfeeding, it is important to know the facts and make a decision that is best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Basics
Let’s start with the basics! Breastfeeding is a method of feeding in which a baby receives nutrients directly from milk produced in the breasts. Though people may be mostly familiar with the term breastfeeding, you may also hear this called chest feeding or body feeding. No matter the term you use, this is not just limited to direct contact with the breasts, but it can happen through other ways such as pumping breast milk and feeding with a bottle or another device. Breastfeeding can be started at any stage of a baby’s development and can continue until you and your baby are ready to stop. Research has shown that 84% of infants were breastfed at some point in their lives.
Immediately after your baby is born your body begins preparing for your breastfeeding journey. However, it may take 2 to 5 days for your milk to come in. Do not be discouraged if it takes longer as everybody is different. Milk production can differ as well. Milk production happens through supply and demand. This means once the milk is removed from the breasts, production begins all over again automatically. Cool right? With this being said, it is important to remove milk often to promote milk production and prevent issues such as clogged ducts and mastitis.
Immediately after your baby is born your body begins preparing for your breastfeeding journey. However, it may take 2 to 5 days for your milk to come in. Do not be discouraged if it takes longer as everybody is different. Milk production can differ as well. Milk production happens through supply and demand. This means once the milk is removed from the breasts, production begins all over again automatically. Cool right? With this being said, it is important to remove milk often to promote milk production and prevent issues such as clogged ducts and mastitis.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for a Baby
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, why breastfeed? Breastfeeding benefits you and your baby in different ways. To start, breast milk provides all of the nutrients that your baby needs until they are 6 months old, and it continues to be beneficial to your baby for even longer (up to 2 years old). Breast milk adapts to your baby’s changing needs, and can lower the risk of:
- SIDS
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Asthma
- Ear infections and
- Stomach bugs
Breast milk can help boost their immune system as antibodies are passed in breast milk, and breastfeeding allows your baby to be fed anytime, anywhere! Whether it lasts one day or many years, your breastfeeding story is your own.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for You
In case you don’t know it yet, your body is amazing! From growing a child to providing them with all the nourishment they need to thrive, your body can do remarkable things. Your journey is as much about your baby as it is about you! Studies have shown that breastfeeding has the potential to reduce the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
For you, though it takes time and effort, it doesn't cost additional money. While breastfeeding itself is free, pumping requires materials that you may need to purchase or find for donation. Pumping is a way for you to remove milk from your breasts manually without your baby directly sucking. Pumping is done with the help of a machine that can be controlled by your hand or by a mechanical suction of the machine itself. People may choose to pump:
For you, though it takes time and effort, it doesn't cost additional money. While breastfeeding itself is free, pumping requires materials that you may need to purchase or find for donation. Pumping is a way for you to remove milk from your breasts manually without your baby directly sucking. Pumping is done with the help of a machine that can be controlled by your hand or by a mechanical suction of the machine itself. People may choose to pump:
- To provide milk when they are apart from the baby during mealtimes
- To help with the milk production process
- To give themselves a chance to rest while a partner or family member feeds the baby
- If a baby is have trouble latching, refusing to latch, is sick, or even teething
- To prevent or relieve the pain of full (engorged) breasts
- When they are feeding multiple children at once
- To stock up on milk for emergencies, in preparation of returning to work or school, or just to have a supply
- And finally, because they want to!
If you choose pumping for your family, note that breast pumps can often be rented or donated through your insurance, local WIC office, local hospital, and organizations.
In the end, breastfeeding is not all or nothing! You can breastfeed, pump, supplement with formula or even food. At the end of the day it’s your choice. If you choose to breastfeed, know that you can do it and if it gets hard, ask for help. You don’t have to go through this journey alone!
Want to connect with other breastfeeding parents? Create an account and search for other young parents interested in breastfeeding to start sharing your experiences today.
In the end, breastfeeding is not all or nothing! You can breastfeed, pump, supplement with formula or even food. At the end of the day it’s your choice. If you choose to breastfeed, know that you can do it and if it gets hard, ask for help. You don’t have to go through this journey alone!
Want to connect with other breastfeeding parents? Create an account and search for other young parents interested in breastfeeding to start sharing your experiences today.
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