Consider the benefits of breastfeeding
By Melissa Sattler-Gordon, division manager of the El Paso County Public Health WIC program (Women, Infants and Children).
Preparing to welcome a new baby to your home can be one of the most exciting and hectic times in your life. There is so much to consider, from childcare to furniture to a whole new tiny wardrobe! But there is another item that should be near the top of the to-do list: planning how you will feed your new baby.
Many new moms may assume that they will easily breastfeed their first child. Others may think that formula is best for their busy lifestyles. But understanding how different feeding options impact your and your baby’s health, what feeding challenges you may encounter, how to seek help and the full range of options available to you can help you decide your path forward. Even with the best of plans, many parents still need support considering their feeding options before and after baby arrives.
August is National Breastfeeding Month and it’s a great time to carefully consider whether breastfeeding is an option for your family and how you will make your feeding plan a success.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Did you know that breast milk can lower your baby’s risks of certain infections and diseases, including ear infections, asthma, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, childhood obesity, eczema, Type 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia and sudden unexplained infant death? While formula provides infants complete nutrition, breast milk has many components and health benefits that cannot be replicated.
Babies also digest breast milk better than any other food, and breast milk contains ingredients that help grow your baby’s digestive system. Breast milk changes as your baby grows, consistently meeting their nutritional needs. In addition to physical needs, breastfeeding meets your baby’s emotional needs by providing close skin-to-skin contact that boosts the feel-good hormone oxytocin in both mom and baby.
Parents also benefit from breastfeeding. Breast milk allows parents to avoid paying for formula, can be more convenient and can help babies stay healthy. Breastfeeding also helps new moms recover faster from childbirth and can reduce moms’ risk for high blood pressure, certain breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes. It can help many women focus more on their own nourishment postpartum.
Breastfeeding challenges
While breastfeeding has significant benefits for moms and babies, it can still come with a number of challenges.
Many moms worry about their milk supply, if their baby is eating enough or may have trouble with latching. Some moms may need help navigating illness or returning to work. Whatever challenges you face, know you are not alone and support is available.
The good news is that health care professionals are familiar with these challenges and can help new moms navigate them. At El Paso County Public Health WIC, we have lactation specialists, breastfeeding classes, peer support and breast pumps available for qualifying families. EPCPH also offers the Nurse-Family Partnership and Maternal and Child Health programs, which provide additional resources for breastfeeding. You can visit EPCPH at elpasocountyhealth.org or call us at 719-578-3199 to learn more.
However you decide to feed your baby, having a plan that includes education, resources and knowing where you can go for support can help set you up for success. Whether you decide to breastfeed, formula feed or some combination of both, work with your pediatrician and/or a lactation professional to ensure your baby is getting everything they need to grow healthy and strong.
