Breastfeeding Benefits Infant & Mother

Many new mothers contemplate whether they should breastfeed their infant. Some feel embarrassed by this or may feel that it just seems unusual. However, there are large benefits associated with breastfeeding, not only for the infant, but for the mother as well. Breast milk is exactly designed to be what your infant needs and cannot be reproduced by formula. It is also completely free.

First and foremost, infants benefit greatly from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding directly benefits the infant’s nutrition, gastrointestinal function, immune system, psychological well-being, and may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to those who were formula-fed. Human milk may have long-term benefits for your infant such as decreasing obesity, childhood cancers, adult cardiovascular disease, allergic conditions and diabetes mellitus.

Not only does breastfeeding benefit the infant, but it also benefits the mother. Moms recover faster from childbirth, have reduced stress, enhanced weight loss, and can have a prolonged anovulation time (in other words, not ovulating, although this is still not a reliable method of birth control). Additionally, breastfeeding has long-term benefits – reduces breast and ovarian cancer, and may reduce cardiovascular disease and obesity.

To state this more plainly, breastfeeding is both the best thing for your infant and for you. All women should breastfeed unless using street drugs, certain other medications, or have certain diseases. You should ask your health care professional about any conditions or medications you may have or be taking that could harm your infant. Otherwise, breast milk is best.

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and Duramed in Sidney is offering a special on its Medela breastfeeding products. All Medela products including pumps, nursing bras, bottles and accessories are up to 20% off during the month of August.

Dr. Twigg is an OB/GYN physician who practices at the Sidney Health Center Clinic. Her office number is 488-2577.