Did you know there were more than 3.7 million births in the United States in 2023?
83% of babies start out being breastfed by their mothers. But that number drops to 56% by the six-month mark. There are various reasons why mothers switch to baby formula. While it might seem like a trivial matter, it’s a matter of grave importance to mother and child. That’s one reason hospitals need to do more to educate, so mothers can make good choices.
When a woman has a child and returns home from the hospital, one of the many decisions she’ll have to make is whether to breastfeed or formula-feed her bouncing baby boy or girl. While the choice should be left up to the mother, there are good reasons to choose breastfeeding.
For one thing, breastfeeding can lessen the risk of a baby succumbing to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s a condition where a seemingly healthy baby passes away suddenly in their sleep. There’s no conclusive medical explanation for why it happens, but SIDS can occur within the first year of a child’s life. If breastfeeding can lower the risks of SIDS, it’s worth considering. Again, it’s not about forcing women to do something they’re not comfortable with.
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That said, if they know the benefits of breastfeeding and have breastfeeding support, the odds are they’ll go with breastfeeding, which is the superior option.
Keep reading to see five things all nursing mothers should know about breastfeeding.
1. Breastfeeding Can Contribute to Weight Loss
One study shows that women who breastfeed exclusively typically lose more weight than moms who don’t breastfeed. It adds that lactation facilitates greater postpartum weight loss as long as breastfeeding continues for at least half a year. So, while mothers might not lose a ton of weight, every little bit helps if they want to shed some of the pounds gained during pregnancy.
Hospitals are equipped to recommend ways for mothers to achieve optimal health. One way that many new mothers may not know is breastfeeding their babies.
2. Breastfeeding Keeps Mothers Healthy
While much of the focus is and should be on the baby when discussing breastfeeding, there are some vital health benefits for the mother, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastfeeding can lessen a mother’s odds of getting type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and high blood pressure. So, it’s not a stretch to say breastfeeding can benefit a woman’s health.
3. Breastfeeding is Healthy for Babies
The CDC adds that breast milk is the best nutrition source for most babies. And the way the human body works, the mother’s milk will, as the child gets older, change to meet the changing nutritional requirements of the baby. It’s also worth noting that breastfeeding transfers the mother’s antibodies to the baby, thereby strengthening the baby’s immune system. A strong immune system can help babies fight off infections and remain healthier.
In rare instances when a baby won’t benefit from the mother’s breast milk, a pediatrician or lactation consultant can help the mother meet the child’s nutritional needs. One example of when a child should not drink their mother’s breast milk is if the baby is diagnosed with a genetic metabolic disorder like galactosemia.
4. Breastfeeding Works Better if Mothers Avoid Certain Foods
When breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid certain foods and drinks. Mothers should avoid citrus produce, onions, garlic, dairy products, peanuts, soy, eggs, wheat, and fish with high mercury content, such as bigeye tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish. They should also avoid beverages containing dairy, caffeine, and alcohol.
5. Breastfeeding Facilitates Bonding Between Mothers and Their Babies
Breastfeeding can also boost emotional and physical bonding between mothers and their children. Studies also show that this bonding can lessen behavioral and social issues in kids and adults.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding can, among other things, improve the overall health of both parties. Hospitals should be resources that women with babies can turn to for information about breastfeeding.