Benefits of Lactation

It is our goal at Nurture Pediatrics to support parents. One area that can prove difficult for parents is in early infancy when attempting to breastfeed. There is a stigma in our society on breastfeeding which has led to limited support availability and many moms feel they need to power through pain and discomfort or that they simply don’t have options. We aim to provide support and knowledge to help lactating mothers increase their chance of successfully meeting their individual goals.

Here are some key advantages of breastfeeding:

Benefits for Babies:

Breast milk is full of nutrients specifically tailored to meet a baby's evolving nutritional needs. It provides essential antibodies that boost the infant's immune system, offering protection against infections, allergies, illnesses, hospitalization and even death. The composition of breast milk changes dynamically to adapt to the baby's growth, ensuring optimal development. Studies have shown that breastfed babies have lower risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood leukemia, obesity, asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease like Crohns and ulcerative colitis, Type 1 & 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, the act of breastfeeding promotes early bonding between mother and child, fostering a sense of security and emotional closeness and contributing to better development. Breast milk is especially of benefit to premature infants and this is why Neonatal Intensive Care Units have donor milk banks to give patients breast milk and an improved chance of survival.

Benefits for Mothers:

For mothers, breastfeeding also offers many benefits. It stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes uterine contractions and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size faster, also reducing postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding also aids in weight loss by burning extra calories (about 500-800 per day with exclusive breastfeeding!) and lowers the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular disease later in life. It also eliminates the need to purchase and store formula.

In conclusion, breastfeeding is an amazingly beneficial and natural option for feeding your baby. At Nurture Pediatrics, we support and encourage breastfeeding mothers, providing education, guidance, and resources to help families make informed decisions about infant feeding. For more information on breastfeeding support and pediatric care, visit our website or schedule a consultation.