National Breastfeeding Awareness Week

This week is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week and we know that most new mothers will try to breastfeed their babies. This month is a time for everyone to help highlight some of the lesser known facts of breastfeeding. While there are some challenges, the benefits are too great to overlook!

As a young mom, I chose to only breastfeed my baby. The beginning was a little challenging but by the second week or so, it began to feel like a natural part of my life. I knew there were some wonderful benefits to breastfeeding my baby and knew that this would be the first of many amazing decisions I would make as a new mom. One thing I can recommend to new moms is to look for a lactation consultant to help you with your breastfeeding issues or concerns. Not all hospital personnel and/or nurses are trained to help with breastfeeding so don’t feel overwhelmed if you don’t find the right support right away.

For those who are thinking about breastfeeding but aren’t quite sure, check out some of the information provided by the Brigham and Women’s Guide for New Parents:

Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed for your baby’s growth and development and is perfectly matched to meet his or her needs. There are many breastfeeding benefits for your baby. Extensive research has demonstrated that breast milk provides optimal health benefits to both the newborn and the mother.

Breastfed babies may also have less risk for developing:

• diarrhea or constipation;
• ear infections;
• asthma;
• diabetes;
• leukemia;
• respiratory infections;
• allergies.

Some breastfeeding benefits for mother include:

• faster postpartum recovery;
• cost-efficient;
• convenient;
• reduces risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer;
• quicker weight loss after birth.

Please click on this link to get more information on breastfeeding!