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Breastfeeding Brings Added Benefits and Responsibilities

By Expert HERWriter
 
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One of the best things about teaching is that I am always learning from my students. This summer I was teaching Western nutrition to Masters of Acupuncture Students, and the topic of breastfeeding came up.

Many of the students in the class are mothers so they were able to give their personal perspectives on this topic. Intellectually we talked about the benefits of breastfeeding. They responded from their experience. Practical tips for making breastfeeding easier enabled them to maintain breastfeeding for at least four to six months.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding is supportive to the infant by providing easily digestible nutrition and protective antibodies. Breast milk also is able to change its nutrients based on the children age and maturity.

Emotionally, breastfeeding creates a bonding environment for both the mother and the child. Breastfeeding can also be reduce the risk of diseases for the mother and the child.

Health benefits are often highlighted, however the process of breastfeeding is a physical and emotional commitment for mothers. Women who decide to breastfeed literally become the nutrition lifeline for their children.

Breastfeeding in the first several days can be challenging in terms of getting their children to latch and feed for some mothers. Sore nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, breast infections and the like are the not-so-glamourous reality of breastfeeding.

Mothers always want to do the best for their children, and if they have problems with breastfeeding it can develop emotional insecurities about their new roles as mothers.

Lactation consultants or worldwide organizations like La Leche League have been instrumental in helping mothers find a rhythm to breastfeeding their children.

These individuals and organizations work with mothers to help them understand the normal challenges that can occur during breastfeeding.

They give tips and training on how to have more success and comfort for both mother and child, and remind mothers that breastfeeding each child is different.

They also provide support groups for mothersto encourage them to continue to breastfeed for as long as they are comfortable.

Currently about 70 percent of mothers breastfeed for some period in their infant’s lives. If it is right for the mother and the child, it certainly can positively impact health.

However the campaigns to encourage women to breastfeed should not create emotional stress or guilt if they are not able to breastfeed. Breastfeeding an infant is a very demanding responsibility along with all the other responsibilities of being a new mother.

Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae

Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com/
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com/

Dr. Dae's Bio:

Dr. Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who maintains a holistic practice, treating patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. She helps her patients harvest health and feel great, using a combination of safe and effective naturopathic and conventional methods.

Sources:

"Breastfeeding | Health benefits for mother and baby | womenshealth.gov ." womenshealth.gov . N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Aug. 2012.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding

La Leche League of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. LLL of MD-DE-DC. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Aug. 2012.
http://www.lllofmd-de-dc.org

Reviewed August 7, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I breastfed my two girls many years ago and it amazes me today that breastfeeding is not always the first choice for new moms, especially when considering all the health benefits for the baby AND the mom. I came across a contest from insidershealth on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/18647785927884743/ and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/InsidersHealth whose prize is a pricey breastpump for the winner. All you have to do is enter a photo of you and your baby. I think it's a great way to support breastfeeding!

August 7, 2012 - 10:43am

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.