Breastfeeding Benefits both the Parent and the Baby

Amber Goodrich, CNM, ARNP, MSN, FACNM

In preparing for the birth of your baby, you will hear about different ways that the baby can be fed. While formula is a suitable alternative for families who are not able or do not desire to breastfeed (or chest feed), it is important to acknowledge that breastfeeding benefits both the baby and the nursing person in ways that formula is not able to.

Benefits to the nursing person:

• Hormones released during breastfeeding can make your postpartum bleeding lighter and make your uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy size faster

• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin- which is a hormone that makes you feel love, affectionate, calm, and positive

• Lower risk of breast cancer

• Lower risk of ovarian cancer

• Lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

• Less endometriosis

• Less osteoporosis with age

• Less diabetes

• Less hypertension

• Less cardiovascular disease

• Encourages bonding with baby

• Saves money

• Breastfeeding is convenient; the milk is warm and ready to go whenever your baby needs it

Benefits to the baby:

• Breastmilk is considered a “superfood” because it contains all of the nutrients that your baby needs in an easily digestible form

• Breastmilk has antibodies (proteins that protect you from unwanted organisms) that help fight off viruses and bacteria

• Breastfeeding lowers the baby’s risk of having asthma, allergies, type 1 diabetes, obesity, leukemia, tooth decay, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and much more

• Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea

• Breast milk is cheaper than formula

• Breastfeeding provides bonding with the nursing person

It is important to mention that choosing to breastfeed doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” Even if you decide to breastfeed for a couple of weeks, you and your baby are still getting many great benefits. You should work with your family and your healthcare provider to determine what works best for you and your baby; whether that be breastfeeding, formula feeding, bottle feeding with breastmilk, or a combination of any of the above.

No matter which way you choose to feed your baby, it is most important that you feel empowered, educated, and supported in your journey. We encourage you to reach out to your local lactation consultant to learn more about support in your area.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Why Breastfeed: Benefits for You & Your Baby. http://healthychildren.org. Accessed: August 14, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why It Matters. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html. Accessed: August 14, 2023.