August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and Henry Community Health wants to celebrate by sharing some educational information about breastfeeding benefits. The choice of how to feed your child is intensely personal for every woman and family, but it helps to know as much as possible. Here are some of the top benefits of breastfeeding!

#1: Nutrition

The body is amazing both during and after pregnancy. Once a mother has given birth, her milk composition is ideally matched to her baby’s needs. Breastmilk is a perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Breastmilk also changes as a baby develops to fit their unique developmental needs.

#2: Immune Support

When a baby is born, their immune system is not fully developed. They can use extra support, and they can find it in breastmilk. A breastfeeding mother passes immunological benefits to her baby in the form of white blood cells and antibodies. These safeguards are a great first line of protection for a baby. 

#3: Cost Savings

The average can of infant formula costs $20 to $35, and specialty blends can go for as high as $50 per can. For most of infancy, a baby will need approximately 24 ounces of formula a day. An average can of formula can make approximately 100 ounces. That means each can will last maybe 5 days, and you could be spending over $40 a week on formula alone. Breastfeeding is free!

#4: Improved Health Outcomes for Babies

The health benefits of breastfeeding span from infancy into a baby’s future. Scientists don’t fully understand why yet, but breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It helps regulate a baby’s metabolism and appetite, which can lead to healthier feeding patterns in infancy and beyond. It’s also linked to a decreased likelihood of type 1 diabetes, asthma, and childhood obesity. 

#5: Improved Health Outcomes for Mothers

There are far-ranging health benefits for mothers who breastfeed. Newly postpartum moms can decrease their chance of hemorrhage, aid uterine contractions that help the womb recover, and aid in weight loss. Long-term, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

#6: Bonding

Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding supports healthy attachment for babies. And skin-to-skin helps dads bond with baby, too! Breastfeeding encourages eye contact and social interactions like talking, cooing, and babbling. There’s a natural chemical benefit for mother and child. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and endorphins, promoting a sense of contentment and calm.

#7: Skin Health

For babies, breastfeeding promotes skin health in multiple ways. The high density of nutrients, vitamins, and healthy fats supports skin development. The immune support from breastmilk also decreases incidences of skin conditions such as eczema and general rashes. It also reduces the chance of developing allergic skin conditions as the baby ages. For moms, breastfeeding helps hormones recover and promotes weight loss, which translates to improved skin tone and elasticity.

#8: Comfort and Convenience

During breastfeeding, babies get to be close to mom, enjoy optimum nutrition, and digest comfortably. It helps out tired new parents, too! There’s no need to worry about warming bottles, buying and mixing formula, or bringing a food source on trips. It provides some natural contraceptive benefits, but it is not recommended as an exclusive form of birth control.

#9: Dental Health

When a baby breastfeeds, the action of latching and suckling promotes a strong jaw and teeth alignment. It reduces exposure to excess sugars from other drinks and formula, which reduces the chance of developing cavities. Prolonged bottle use can also impact dental development and increase the chance of cavities while weaning from breastfeeding can be easier than bottle weaning and naturally promotes cleaner teeth.

#10: Cognitive Development

Breastmilk is optimized for both nutrition and brain growth. It helps avoid nutritional deficiencies which can impact brain development. Research has shown a correlation between breastfeeding and larger brain volumes in areas linked to memory and learning. This aligns with other studies that show breastfeeding can contribute to slightly higher academic performance and IQs.

Henry Community Health Supports Your Breastfeeding Journey

If you want advice on how to optimize the breastfeeding experience for you and your baby, start by talking to Henry Community Health. Our Maternity Navigator is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about breastfeeding. Contact Chelsea at 765-599-3193 or by email at maternitynavigator@hcmhcares.org.

We are here to support you! Follow one of these links to learn about:

You can also visit our Events Calendar to see upcoming opportunities to take a prenatal class, a breastfeeding class, or join our feeding support group for all mothers, regardless of feeding method.

To connect with the OB/GYN providers at HCH, you can search for a provider or call:

Aug 23, 2024