By BreeAnna Gibson, MD, Lakeside Doctors Gynecology and Obstetrics
Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging. From health benefits for both mother and baby to overcoming common struggles and debunking myths, here’s what your OB/GYN wants you to know about breastfeeding, along with resources to support you on your journey.
A Win/Win for Mom and Baby
Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages for both mother and baby. It’s a natural and beautiful process that helps promote bonding between mom and baby, providing beneficial psychological effects like lowering stress and increasing feelings of calm. Many experts say that affectionate bonding during the first years of life helps lessen social and behavioral problems in both children and adults.
From a parental standpoint, it’s an affordable and accessible source of nutrition, less expensive than formula. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow and develop. It provides a unique and specific formula of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Breastfeeding strengthens an infant’s immune system and provides essential nutrients tailored to the baby’s needs. Benefits to babies include decreased likelihood of asthma and other childhood illnesses such as the flu. As breastfed children age, they also have a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes.
For mothers, breastfeeding offers significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. It also promotes a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight, which is important to some women. Additionally, breastfeeding acts as a natural method of pregnancy spacing, with experts recommending 12-18 months between children to allow the mother’s body to recover and increase the likelihood of the next child being born full-term and healthy.
The Struggle is Real, But You’re Not Alone
Breastfeeding isn’t as simple as one might think. Throughout history, wet nurses have existed because there can be challenges with milk supply, access or the baby’s ability to latch properly. Breastfeeding can be exhausting and uncomfortable. Some babies pick up the skill more quickly, and some moms struggle due to differences in their bodies or milk supply. These are all very common challenges, but with proper support, education and lots of patience, they can be overcome.
In the U.S., one of the biggest barriers to breastfeeding is the lack of paid maternity leave. It becomes much more difficult to breastfeed for the recommended first 12 months of life when mothers are expected to rapidly return to work. Oklahoma law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in public and ensures adequate break times for pumping at work. If you are unsure of your rights, ask your healthcare professional.
It Gets Easier Over Time – and with Support
For new moms facing breastfeeding struggles, I promise it gets easier with time. Resources like lactation consultants, family support and healthcare professionals can provide valuable guidance. Treat breastfeeding as a team effort, with your family or support system assisting you on your journey. Lack of sleep, dehydration and low caloric intake can all negatively impact milk production, so leaning on your support system to help in these areas can be beneficial.
At Lakeside, we discuss breastfeeding goals with expecting moms and provide education throughout their pregnancy. We ensure they have access to trained lactation consultants and trained nursery nurses following birth. Additionally, we offer supplementation options, including donor milk from the Oklahoma Mothers Milk Bank and formula if needed.
We understand that some women may choose not to or are physically unable to breastfeed. At Lakeside, we support your decisions on how to feed your child without judgment and are available to provide guidance and options.
Embrace the Journey
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey that is unique to every mother and baby. Remember, whether you face difficulties or have a smooth experience, you are not alone. Support from healthcare professionals, lactation consultants and your personal support network can make a significant difference. At Lakeside, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way, offering resources and compassion to ensure that you and your little one have the best start possible.