Breastfeeding Your Baby
Giving birth is an exciting time for your family. Choosing how to feed your baby is an important step in preparing for your little one. Breastfeeding offers many benefits for you and your baby.
From birth to a child’s 2nd birthday is a critical time of growth and brain development. Providing your child with the nutrition to support these changes is important. Breastmilk is the ideal nutrition. Colostrum is the first form of milk your body makes during pregnancy so it is ready to go for those first feedings. It is also called “liquid gold” as it is thicker and has a golden yellow color. Colostrum is full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. Those special antibodies work to strengthen your baby’s immune system. It also coats the intestines creating a healthy gut and reducing the effects of harmful bacteria. Colostrum is very concentrated so it only takes a small amount to be enough for your baby’s tiny stomach. At birth, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a toy marble and will only hold about 1-2 teaspoons.
Colostrum changes to transitional breastmilk within a few days after your baby is born. Breastmilk continues to change to meet the needs of your baby. At about two weeks, transitional milk is replaced by mature milk. All forms of breastmilk are easily digested, as noted by less stomach upset and more frequent yellow, curdy stools. Breastmilk is free, always warm, and ready to go when your baby is hungry. Check with your provider if vitamin D supplementation is recommended.
Breastfeeding provides your baby with antibodies that help them develop a strong immune system. This can offer them protection against certain illnesses and long-term health disorders. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of the following:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Stomach issues
Breastfeeding is a special time with your baby. Skin-to-skin and eye contact help create a unique bond. Your baby feels safe and loved. They know your smell, your heartbeat, and your voice. Being near you is comforting to them. This new relationship with your little one can help reduce your risk of postpartum depression.
Breastfeeding promotes a healthy weight for both you and your baby. It should not be used as a weight loss plan. You need to eat a nutritious diet to keep yourself and your baby healthy and strong. As a breastfeeding mom, you can lower your risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
There are ways your family can prepare for breastfeeding even before your baby is born. Attending a Childbirth Preparation Class can help you learn what to expect when giving birth and caring for your baby. Talk with your partner and healthcare provider about your breastfeeding goals. Your healthcare team is here to provide you with the strategies and tools to help you succeed. Although breastfeeding is very natural, it takes practice. Our trained OB staff, Lactation Counselors, and Lactation Consultant are ready to help you and your baby learn together. They will be there for you in the hospital and in the clinic for follow up, encouragement, and support.
Some things you may want to consider to prepare for breastfeeding success include:
- Nursing bra
- Nursing pads
- Pillows for comfortable positioning
- Nursing shirts or loose shirts
- Nursing cover for use when out or a light blanket will do
If you plan to pump breastmilk to feed your baby, you will want a breast pump and bottles. You can discuss this with your healthcare team regarding what type of pump you will need and check with your insurance to see if they cover the cost of a breast pump.
Dads can be involved, too. Your family is a team. You may get a lot of advice and opinions. Knowing what’s right for you and your family will help you manage well-intended suggestions. Here are some ideas of ways loved ones can support a breastfeeding mom and baby:
- Care for the baby: bathe, change, dress, cuddle, or burp the baby
- Watch for hunger signs and bring the baby to mom
- Help mom have a comfortable position, a snack, and a drink
- Limit visitors when mom needs rest or to prevent illness
- Complete housekeeping tasks, get groceries, do chores, or run errands
- Bring a meal
- Assist with the care of older children
- Encourage mom that she is doing awesome and do something special for her
- Support mom’s decision no matter how she chooses to feed her baby
Breastfeeding is a personal choice and may not be the right choice for all families. There are many options for feeding your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about choosing the option that’s right for you.