Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to provide nutrition for babies. Not only does it offer important nutrients for infants, but breastfeeding can also provide a range of benefits for both the mother and the baby. In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of breastfeeding and why it’s an important choice for new mothers.

Additionally, like many mothers, I had some difficulties breastfeeding, so we will touch on some tips and advice that really helps, if you are struggling with breastfeeding.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by a mother’s mammary glands during the first few days after giving birth. It is often called “liquid gold” because of its rich and valuable composition.

Colostrum is thick and yellowish in color and is very different from mature breastmilk. It is high in protein, immunoglobulins (antibodies), and other bioactive components that are important for the baby’s health and development.

Colostrum is essential for a baby’s immune system development. It contains high levels of immunoglobulins, which provide passive immunity to the baby. Passive immunity means that the baby receives antibodies from the mother’s colostrum, which helps protect the baby from infections until their own immune system is fully developed.

Colostrum is also rich in growth factors, which promote the development of the baby’s gut, nervous system, and other organs. It contains high levels of lactose and oligosaccharides, which serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut and promote the growth of a healthy microbiome.

In addition to its nutritional and immunological benefits, colostrum has also been shown to have a laxative effect, which helps the baby pass their first stools (meconium). This is important for clearing out the baby’s gut and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Colostrum is produced in small amounts, usually only a few milliliters per feeding, but it is enough to meet the baby’s nutritional and immunological needs during the first few days of life. After a few days, the mother’s milk production increases, and colostrum is gradually replaced by mature breastmilk.

Overall, every stage of milk has innumerable health benefits. The most benefits of breastfeeding are seen in infants who are breastfed beyond one year. Even the World Health Organization recommends infants be breastfed for 2 years, and many women breastfeed beyond that. I didn’t wean until 2.5 years with one of my kiddos.

 Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding: 

Provides Optimal Nutrition for Babies

Breast milk is the perfect food for infants. It contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that babies need to grow and develop properly. The composition of breast milk changes as the baby grows, providing the right balance of nutrients at each stage of development.

Breast milk contains a range of nutrients that are vital for a newborn’s growth and development. Some of the key nutrients found in breast milk include:

1. Protein: Breast milk contains two types of protein, whey, and casein, which are easily digestible for infants.
2. Carbohydrates: The primary carbohydrate in breast milk is lactose, which provides energy for the baby and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
3. Fats: Breast milk contains a variety of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for brain development and vision.
4. Vitamins: Breast milk contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.
5. Minerals: Breast milk is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, which are important for bone development, red blood cell production, and immune function.
6. Antibodies: Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that help protect infants from infections and diseases.

Boosts Immune System

Breast milk is rich in antibodies that help protect babies from illnesses and infections. These antibodies cannot be replicated in formula, making breastfeeding the best way to help build a baby’s immune system. I remember getting a little cold a few weeks after the birth of my son and my son never had any symptoms or if he did it was so mild and not noticeable. I knew he was getting antibodies from me which would protect him.

Breastmilk contains:

1. Immunoglobulins: Breast milk contains several types of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, that help protect against viruses and bacteria. These include IgA, IgG, and IgM.
2. Lactoferrin: Breast milk contains lactoferrin, a protein that has antimicrobial properties and helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
3. Cytokines: Breast milk contains cytokines, which are signaling molecules that help regulate the immune system and promote immune function.
4. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs): Breast milk contains HMOs, complex sugars that cannot be digested by infants, but instead help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help protect against infections.
5. Leukocytes: Breast milk also contains white blood cells, or leukocytes, which can help fight infections.

Reduces Risk of Illnesses

Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of many illnesses for both the baby and the mother. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop ear infections, respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). What that really means is a breast fed infant is less likely to die of SIDS (more of the SIDS infants tended to be formula fed).

Newborn jaundice: Breast milk contains factors that help promote the excretion of bilirubin, a substance that can build up in newborns and cause jaundice. Breastfeeding can help prevent and treat jaundice in infants.

Skin problems: Breast milk contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe and heal skin problems such as diaper rash and eczema. Some studies have found that applying breast milk topically to the affected area can be effective in treating these conditions.

Ear infections: Breast milk has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight the bacteria or viruses that cause ear infections. Some studies have found that breastfed infants have a lower risk of ear infections than formula-fed infants.

This 2023 study found that infants who were breastfed for at least 6 months had lower rates of respiratory, gastrointestinal and ear infections.

Promotes Healthy Weight Gain

Breast milk contains the right balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates to promote healthy weight gain in babies. Breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight or obese later in life.

A 2014 meta-analysis found that breastfeeding was associated with a significantly reduced risk of obesity in children (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.81). The longer the breastfeeding, the lower the risk for obesity. For infants breastfed longer than 7 months, they had a 21% lower risk for obesity than formula fed infants.

Enhances Cognitive Development

Breast milk contains important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development. Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores and improved cognitive development in children.

A 2015 meta-analysis of 17 cohort studies found that longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with higher scores on tests of intelligence and academic achievement.

A 2013 study followed a cohort of over 1,000 children in the United States and found that longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with higher scores on tests of cognitive, language, and motor development at age 3.

It’s worth noting that other factors, such as maternal education and socio-economic status, may also contribute to the association between breastfeeding and cognitive development.

Helps with Postpartum Recovery

Breastfeeding releases hormones that help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. It also burns extra calories, helping new mothers to lose weight and reduce their risk of postpartum depression. But don’t expect everyone to lose weight the same. I didn’t magically peel away the pounds, but that’s ok. My baby and I were cozy and mamas have a beautiful body that is comfortable for baby.

Creates Bonding Opportunities

Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for mothers to bond with their babies. It creates a close physical and emotional connection that can help strengthen the bond between mother and child. I loved being able to tend to my babies’ needs immediately when we were at home or out in public. I didn’t have to wait for a bottle to warm up, I was ready to go at any moment. No hungry crying on my watch!

Reduces Health Care Costs

Breastfeeding can save families and society a significant amount of money in health care costs. Breastfed babies are less likely to require medical care for illnesses, reducing health care costs for families and society. And it’s totally true, my breastfed infants didn’t have an ear infection or anything. The first ear infection didn’t come until over age 4 years.

Environmentally Friendly

Breastfeeding is an environmentally friendly option for feeding babies. It does not require any packaging, transportation, or disposal, making it a sustainable choice. The only costs aside from possibly eating more food, would be the nursing attire. Nursing bras are an absolute must, and maybe some nursing tanks. Pick something really soft and flexible, with room to grow.

Convenient and Portable

Breastfeeding is a convenient and portable option for feeding babies. It can be done anywhere, at any time, without the need for special equipment or preparation. I was able to breastfeed on the go quite easily.

Breastmilk Contains Probiotics and Helps Establish the Newborn’s Microbiome

Breastmilk is not only a source of nutrition for babies but also contains many bioactive components that are beneficial to a baby’s health, including probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.

Breastmilk is a natural source of probiotics, specifically lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These beneficial bacteria are essential for establishing and maintaining a healthy microbiome in the baby’s gut.

A baby’s microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that live in and on the body, including in the gut. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and overall health. The establishment of a healthy microbiome begins at birth and continues to develop throughout infancy.

Breastmilk provides the perfect balance of nutrients, prebiotics, and probiotics needed to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut. The beneficial bacteria found in breastmilk are believed to play a role in protecting against harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of infections, and promoting immune system development.

Research has shown that breastfed infants have a different gut microbiome compared to formula-fed infants. Breastfed infants have a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while formula-fed infants have a higher abundance of potentially harmful bacteria.

Breastmilk also contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are complex sugars that are indigestible by the baby but serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. HMOs are unique to human milk and cannot be replicated in formula.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding offers a range of benefits for both the mother and the baby. It provides optimal nutrition for babies, boosts the immune system, reduces the risk of illnesses, promotes healthy weight gain, enhances cognitive development, helps with postpartum recovery, creates bonding opportunities, reduces health care costs, is environmentally friendly, and is convenient and portable. With all of these benefits, it’s clear why breastfeeding is an important choice for new mothers.

 Tips For Common Breastfeeding Difficulties 

While breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience, many women experience common issues that can make it challenging. Here are some tips to help with some common breastfeeding issues:

1. Sore Nipples

Sore nipples are a common problem for new mothers who are breastfeeding. To help alleviate soreness, try the following:

• Ensure that the baby is latching properly. A poor latch can cause sore nipples.
• Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what is most comfortable for you and your baby.
• My aha moment came after I learned about the “laid back” breastfeeding position. This helped enable a deep latch, and my nipples did no longer hurt after this.
• Apply a warm compress to your nipples before nursing to help promote blood flow and reduce pain.
• Use lanolin or other nipple creams to help soothe sore nipples.

2. Low Milk Supply

Some mothers may experience a low milk supply, making it difficult to breastfeed effectively. Here are some tips to help boost milk supply:

• Ensure that the baby is nursing frequently and effectively to stimulate milk production.
• Try to breastfeed on both sides, switching sides after each feeding.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest.
• They say nap when the baby naps, and that’s no joke! Get your rest mama.

3. Engorgement

Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full and uncomfortable. To alleviate engorgement, try the following:

• Breastfeed frequently to help relieve pressure and reduce milk production.
• Apply a cold compress to the breasts to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Use a breast pump to express milk, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can increase milk production and prolong engorgement.
• Hand express may be more beneficial than the breast pump.

4. Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection that occurs when the breast becomes inflamed. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and redness. To help alleviate mastitis, try the following:

• Continue to breastfeed to help clear any blockages in the breast.
• Apply a warm compress to the affected breast to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Keep watch for red lines which may indicate the infection has entered your blood stream.
• Consult your healthcare provider, if you can’t clear it, as antibiotics may be necessary.

5. Clogged Milk Ducts

Clogged milk ducts occur when milk is not flowing properly through the breast. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and a lump in the breast. To help alleviate clogged milk ducts, try the following:

• Breastfeed frequently to help clear the blockage.
• Apply a warm compress to the affected breast to help promote milk flow.
• Massage the breast gently to help release the blockage, especially in the shower, rubbing toward the nipple.
• Consult your healthcare provider, if nothing is working as antibiotics may be necessary to clear an infection.

While breastfeeding can present challenges, there are many ways to overcome common issues. By addressing issues such as sore nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, mastitis, and clogged milk ducts, you can help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. Remember to seek support from healthcare providers and lactation consultants as needed. Don’t give up. Our bodies were literally made for this.

Want to learn more about breastfeeding, breastmilk and all the issues with formula feeding? Try reading this fantastic book, Milk, Money, Madness.

Do you have anything you’d like to add? Tips, suggestions, what worked or didn’t work for you? Please comment below!