Choosing to breastfeed is one of the most beneficial decisions a new mother can make for her baby, herself, and even her family. Breastmilk is the most perfect infant food, sustaining the baby’s health and nourishment single-handedly for the first six months of life. The physical and emotional benefits remain with the baby throughout his life.

Breastfeeding is also the best way for mom to help her post-pregnancy body and mind. The breastfeeding relationship is beneficial to her health, her parenting, and her baby. The family unit benefits from breastfeeding as well.

It encourages bonding, and significantly reduces the financial strain w baby might put on a family by eradicating the need for expensive infant formula.

Breast milk is individually made for every baby by his mother.

Each day, and at each feeding, milk is tailored for the baby’s specific nutritional needs at that time. The needed elements are selected from the mother’s bloodstream to give the baby exactly what he needs, unlike formula. Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients (and the list is still growing) that cannot be found in cow’s milk or infant formula.

Some examples are IgA, which helps immune function, lysozyme, which counteracts “bad” bacteria in the digestive tract, prolactin, which also assists in immune function, and many more. The milk supply grows and changes with the baby as he grows and matures as well. As well, at every feeding, the milk is at the perfect temperature for the baby and does not require any preparation or sterilization.

The law of “supply and demand” pertains to the production of breastmilk. The more the baby eats, the more is made. There is almost always the perfect amount of milk available. Also, breastmilk is much more digestible than formula or cow’s milk. The amount of protein in breastmilk is lower, which makes it easier to digest. Breastfed babies are usually less gassy, less constipated and their bowel movements are less likely to cause diaper rash. When breast-fed infants are older, it also seems they are more accepting of new foods. A study done at the University of Illinois found this to be true, perhaps because breastfed babies are used to the taste of breastmilk changing from feeding to feeding.

Breastmilk is also superior because of the many immunities it provides baby with. Studies show that babies who are breastfed have lower incidences of asthma, childhood cancers, food allergies, colic and eczema. Immunities are passed through the breastmilk which protect baby from lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, ear infections, urinary tract infections and blood infections. The mother’s body makes antibodies specific to her environment, so baby receives these antibodies that protect him against the illnesses he’d be most likely to get. Recent studies show that breastfed babies are also less likely to get cavities later in life. Along the same lines, breastfed babies have stronger jaws and their teeth and palate develop more efficiently than those of formula-fed babies. This can promote easier learning of correct speech patterns. It also appears that the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is reduced as well for babies that are breastfed. Lastly, breastfed babies appear to have slightly higher IQs, through age 15. This may be because of the important fatty acids (DHA) that breastmilk contains and the relationship between the growth and development of the brain in relationship to amount of time breastfed.

Breastfeeding premature babies has its own set of benefits, especially for baby. Even if baby is too small to actually breastfeed, he can be fed the mother’s breastmilk. This is especially important because he will get just the right nutrients he needs to mature, and will be extra protected against infection, which is common in premature babies. Research shows that preemies breastfed for at least the first month of life have a higher IQ at age 7-8 than those fed formula. Parents of a premature baby can often feel guilty, depressed and helpless about their tiny child. Breastfeeding allows the mother to take a proactive role in caring for her baby and providing him with the closeness breastfeeding allows, as soon as he is able to do so. Nursing multiple babies offers distinct advantages as well. All of the benefits for baby and mother are multiplied when feeding two or more babies.

Next week we’ll look at why and how breastfeeding is best for not just your baby, but you!!

Related Articles:

1. Breastfeeding Tips
2. Postpartum: After the Baby’s Birth
3. The Truth About Birth in the U.S.

Nursing is the best way to feed your baby, and the benefits you will both get from this relationship are numerous! But if you think breastfeeding is a piece of cake, don’t be discouraged when it proves to be harder than it looks. Educate yourself ahead of time by reading books and talking to other nursing moms. Here are just a few pointers to get you started in the right direction-

Establishing milk supply:

You’ll need just a few things for building up a great milk supply to nourish your baby; skin-to-skin contact, letting your baby nurse as often and as much as he wants, and paying attention to your baby’s latch at all times for the first few weeks. Other ideas include getting enough rest, nourishment and drinking herbal tea with “galactagogue” herbs-fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle.

Feeling comfortable while you nurse:

You will spend a lot of time nursing, so get a comfortable chair and support for your body and baby’s body early on. Learn to nurse laying down so that you don’t miss too much sleep. Finally, invest in some clothes that make nursing easy for you to do, especially when you are out in public. That may mean shirts that button, nursing bras, nursing pads for leaky breasts, etc.

Know the signs of trouble:

Pay attention to how you feel, how your breasts feel (nipples too) and how your baby is acting. A baby that is satisfied usually acts that way, and is regularly pooping and peeing. Signs of trouble for you include sore or cracked nipples, sore, red, painful breasts and/or fever and chills. The best way to head off and resolve a breast infection is rest, rest, rest and nurse, nurse, nurse. Go to bed with your baby and nursing will likely make both of you feel better!

Get support!

Nursing is wonderful but can be difficult and trying at times too. Know that your baby’s health (and your nursing relationship with him) is the long-term goal and try to look past the occasional hurdles. Better yet, find support. Whether it be a friend, sister, midwife- find women who understand nursing and who will listen while encouraging you. Find a La Leche League meeting in your area and meet other new moms.

Working and nursing:

This is difficult but it can be done. Buy a quality breastpump, learn how to use it and start pumping and freezing way in advance of going back to work. When you are with your baby, nurse as much as possible. Sleeping with your baby will help your milk supply and also keep a strong nursing relationship.

Related Articles:

1. Key Principles to a Happy, Healthy Postpartum!
2. Breastfeeding Success: One thing every mother needs…
3. Choosing to Breastfeed

If I had a penny for every time I heard a woman with a new baby say that she didn’t have enough milk to breastfeed, or that the baby was too demanding and she couldn’t keep up, I’d be rich.

Now I’m not saying this is the woman’s fault necessarily. We have come to birth and raise our children in this culture that wants to push them away, on the road to independence before they are past infancy. I can’t solve all of these problems (though I might try) but I do have the most fantastic “product” that you just must have if you want to succeed at breastfeeding.

To put it simply, there is one thing that you need to successfully produce milk for your baby. And simply put again, that thing is that your baby needs to be with you, touching you, on you. The closeness alone stimulates your body to make milk, and the best way to get this closeness (and still be a functioning human being) is with the most heavenly invention, the baby sling.

Now, I have several slings in my home, all of various types and sizes and patterns and colors. I continually recommend only one of these slings to my friends and clients, and I want to tell you all about it so that you can have the best “sling experience” possible!

Kate Brown, of Peekaboo Pouch is single-handedly responsible for my calm, content child cuddling on me right now as I write this, fast asleep. It is because of her wonderful product that I am able to keep my baby with me throughout the day, as she sleeps and nurses, and as I take care of my other kids, among (what seems like) millions of other tasks.

Like I said, there are lots of slings to choose from out there. It can be very complicated, but Kate makes it simple, and what mother isn’t grateful for that?

I recommend only Peekaboo Pouch because the fleece is stretchy and comfortable for both baby and me, even in warmer weather. The price is right, and the slings are just gorgeous to look at (she’s got a ton of patterns and solids to choose from)- I promise you that every time I am out, at least two women ask me how to get one just like it.