Six things new mothers should know about breastfeeding

It helps the mom

There is very good evidence that breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as the risk of future osteoporosis and the hip fractures that come with it. There is also strong evidence that points to breastfeeding helping fight against post-natal depression and anxiety by improving maternal-infant bonding.

It helps the baby

Sometimes it is hard to grasp exactly how much breast milk does. Not only does it contain all the nutritional requirements for a baby for the first six months of life, it also has a host of hormones, infection-fighting cells and antibodies. The list of the medical benefits of breast milk for babies is staggering: it can help reduce the risk of inflammation and infection of the tummy, protect from infection and reduce risk of conditions like stomach bugs, coughs and colds, ear infections, as well as eczema and even childhood leukemia.

It’s not surprising that many mothers say their babies instinctively know to feed more in the few days preceding some sort of illness or infection – they’re filling up their immunity tank.

It helps their bond

The goodness of breastfeeding isn’t only medical though, it’s emotional. The act of breastfeeding is well-known to help deepen and grow the bond between mother and child, partly from the release of hormones and partly from the early physical contact.  Early feeding interactions between mother and infant can result in more positive feeding experiences, improved maternal sensitivity and responsiveness to infant needs, and even early childhood behaviours. Mother’s often talk about of the ‘magic ability’ of breastfeeding to soothe away almost every distress, and we often use breastfeeding as effective pain relief for vaccinations for instance. 

And it can help weight loss

They’ve just created life, and they’re busy sustaining it, so there shouldn’t be any pressure for women to lose their post-partum weight – but that said, a hidden, silent benefit of breastfeeding is that it does aid weight loss. In the early weeks of feeding, when a baby can feed up to every hour or so, making milk can burn up to 500 calories a day.

There’s always a support network

Mothers – and in particular, new mothers – are often considered some of the most active members of social media, because it’s an easy way to talk about what they may be going through, but also receive support from other moms going through similar situations.

I’ve heard great things about blogs and online communities, like MumsNet.com in the UK, where other mothers, expectant mothers and credible breastfeeding experts – such as midwives and lactation consultants – can lend advice on latching, nipple shields and breast pumps, or simply lend a friendly ear at what can be a very emotional time.