The Comprehensive Guide to Breastfeeding: Benefits, Challenges, and Expert Tips.

Breastfeeding is a joyous journey that provides countless benefits to both mother and baby. As a woman mother of two, integrative internal medicine doctor, and holistic pediatrician at Ahimsa MD, I am here to support and guide you through this beautiful experience.

This guide will cover the benefits, challenges, and hacks of breastfeeding, the nutritional value of breast milk, recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the breastfeeding schedule, and tips for pumping and storing milk.

We will also discuss foods that help with milk production and those to avoid, the value of having an expert holistic pediatrician assist in your breastfeeding journey, and alternatives if breastfeeding is not possible.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Let's explore some of the main benefits derived from breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Benefits for the Baby:

Nutritional support:

Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones essential for a baby's development. Each drop of breast milk is a complex, dynamic substance that changes composition according to the baby's needs, providing exactly what the baby needs at each growth stage.

Immune Support:

Breast milk provides antibodies that help protect babies from infections and illnesses. These antibodies, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA), form a protective layer in the baby's intestinal tract, nose, and throat, guarding against harmful pathogens.

Cognitive Development:

Studies have shown that breastfed babies have higher IQ scores and better brain development. The fatty acids in breast milk, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in brain development.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions:

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It also promotes healthier weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity.

Benefits For the Mother:

Bonding:

Breastfeeding promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. The physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact, and eye contact during breastfeeding help develop a deep sense of connection.

Health Benefits:

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. The release of oxytocin during breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and can reduce uterine bleeding after birth.

Convenience and Cost-Effective:

One of breastfeeding's many advantages is its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Breast milk is always available at the right temperature, saving money on formula and feeding supplies. It also eliminates the need for bottle preparation and sterilization, making it easier for mothers to feed their babies on demand.

Nutritional Value of Breast Milk

As mentioned before, breast milk is a powerhouse of nutrition. It provides the baby with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, immune cells, stem cells, antibodies, probiotics, good bacteria, nucleotides, growth factors, hormones, and enzymes.

Here, you can see the contributions the main components have on the baby's health, growth, and development:

Proteins:

Breast milk proteins, such as whey and casein, are essential for growth and development. They are easily digestible and support healthy growth.

Fats:

Crucial for brain development. The fats in breast milk are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are vital for neurological development.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for a baby's development. It contains essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and K and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.

Antibodies:

The antibodies contained in breast milk help protect against infections and diseases. The presence of live cells, including white blood cells and stem cells, contributes to the baby's immune defense and development.

 

Foods that Help with Milk Production

Certain foods can help boost milk supply, but some can change breastmilk flavor and cause discomfort in the baby, making breastfeeding challenging.

Here you have some food that can boost your milk supply:

• Oats: Rich in iron and can help increase milk supply. Oats also contain saponins, which may positively affect prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for lactation.

• Fenugreek: A common herb known to promote milk production. It can be consumed in capsule form, as tea, or added to foods.

• Garlic: Can help stimulate lactation. Including garlic in your diet may enhance the flavor of breast milk, encouraging babies to nurse more vigorously.

• Leafy Greens: Rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. Vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli provide vital vitamins and minerals that support lactation.

  
  

And these are some foods to avoid:

• Spicy foods can change the taste of breast milk and may cause discomfort for the baby. If your baby seems fussy or has digestive issues after you eat spicy foods, consider reducing their intake.

• Caffeine: Can make babies fussy and irritable. Limit your caffeine intake to avoid transferring it to your baby through breast milk.

• Certain fish are high in mercury, which can be harmful to the baby. Avoid fish such as sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding can present various challenges for the mother and the baby, but understanding and addressing them can help ensure a smoother journey.  Here, we go over the most common challenges you can face while breastfeeding, reassuring you that you're not alone in this.

Latching Issues:

Ensuring a proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding, preventing nipple pain, and ensuring adequate milk intake for the baby.

Baby's latch can be affected by nipple size, breast size, feeding technique, and breastfeeding position. If you encounter latching problems, consulting a lactation expert can provide methods and support to improve the latch.

Milk Supply Concerns:

Some mothers worry about producing enough milk. Ensuring proper nutrition, hydration, and frequent breastfeeding can help maintain supply. Techniques such as skin-to-skin contact and feeding on demand can also boost milk production.

Pain and Discomfort:

Initial pain and discomfort are common. Using lanolin cream in the nipples and areola area—in between feedings—and ensuring proper latch can help alleviate this. Addressing any pain early on is essential to prevent conditions like cracked and soared nipples, mastitis, blocked ducts, or infections.

Time-Consuming:

Breastfeeding can be time-consuming and demanding, especially in the early weeks. Establishing a support system and finding a balance between feeding and rest can help you manage this challenge.

 

Breastfeeding Hacks

Whether it is your first time breastfeeding or not, I want you to have the best experience possible, so here are some tips to make breastfeeding more manageable and more enjoyable for you and your baby:

Find a Comfortable Position:

Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Positions such as the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position can offer comfort and ease during feeding. You can also sit in a comfy chair or sofa when breastfeeding your baby, allowing you both to be rested and have a better experience.

Use Breastfeeding or Nursing Pillows:

These can provide support and comfort for both mother and baby. A well-supported position can reduce strain on your back, neck, and arms.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to maintain your milk supply. Protein-rich foods, healthy fats, and vitamins can also support your overall health and lactation.

Use Warm Compresses:

Applying warm compresses before breastfeeding can help with milk flow. Warmth can stimulate let-down and relieve engorgement.

Create a Relaxing Environment:

Breastfeed in a calm, comfortable space to help you and your baby relax. Reducing distractions and practicing deep breathing can create a more peaceful feeding experience. Add dimmed lights, soft instrumental music, or aromatherapy to this calm environment.

Recommendations for Breastfeeding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The WHO is a nongovernmental organization leading in public health worldwide. Its team of doctors, epidemiologists, and scientists promotes well-being, disease prevention, and response to health emergencies worldwide. On the other hand, the AAP is the leading organization in leadership and commitment to the optimal health and well-being of all children.

Both organizations have extensive knowledge and experience regarding breastfeeding. Their recommendations for breastfeeding are:

• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, providing only breast milk, no other foods or liquids, and no water.

• Continued Breastfeeding, alongside complementary foods, from 6 months old up to two years old. Breast milk continues to provide essential nutrients and protection against illnesses during this period.

Breastfeeding Schedule Recommendations

A flexible or on-demand breastfeeding schedule helps ensure the baby gets enough milk based on their age:

• Newborns: 8-12 times per day, roughly every 2-3 hours. Frequent feeding helps establish a good milk supply and meets the baby's high nutritional needs.

• 3-6 Months: 6-8 times per day. As babies grow, their feeding frequency may decrease, but they may take in more milk per feeding.

• 6-12 Months: 4-6 times per day, with the introduction of solid foods. Breast milk remains a source of nutrition, even as solid foods are introduced.

  
  

Please remember not all babies are equal. These are general recommendations, and feeding schedules can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding moms and their babies. Each case must be individualized to provide the proper nutrition and support.

Pumping and Storing Milk Recommendations

Pumping can be an excellent option for mothers returning to work or needing flexibility, allowing other family members to help within the feeding schedule so mom can rest or go to work. Here are some tips for pumping and storing breastmilk safely:

Pumping Tips:

Pump regularly, mimic baby's feeding schedule, and ensure a relaxed environment. Using a high-quality breast pump and massaging your breasts can enhance milk extraction.

Storing Breast Milk:

You can store breast milk in milk storage bags or clean, airtight containers. Remember to label them with the date of expression so you can use them in order and not lose milk. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for 6 to 12 months.

If you are producing more than enough breastmilk for your baby. In that case, consider storing it in the freezer and donating it to breastmilk banks so that other babies whose moms cannot breastfeed can benefit from breastmilk.

What to Do If You Can't Breastfeed

For many different reasons, some moms can't breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not possible for you, there are still ways to ensure your baby receives the best nutrition:

Formula Feeding: Many high-quality formulas are designed to meet your baby's nutritional needs. Your pediatrician can help you choose a formula that suits your baby's needs and preferences.

Donor Milk: A good alternative is to use donor milk from a milk bank. Donor milk is carefully screened and pasteurized to ensure your baby's safety.

Consulting Experts: Work with your pediatrician, doula, or lactation consultant to find the best feeding plan for your baby. They can provide guidance on bottle feeding, formula choosing, introducing solids, and ensuring your baby's nutritional requirements are met.

 

The Value of having an Expert Holistic Pediatrician by your side

Having a pediatrician with a holistic approach to health and wellness can provide invaluable support during your breastfeeding journey to you and your baby:

Personalized Care: we provide tailored advice and support based on your needs in the comfort of your home or our office. We'll consider your physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors to provide comprehensive care to you and your baby even before it's born.

Comprehensive Support: We can address breastfeeding challenges and techniques, nutritional concerns, and the overall well-being of you and your baby. They provide strategies encompassing diet, natural remedies, and emotional support.

Emotional Support: We provide reassurance and encouragement to help you confidently navigate your breastfeeding journey. We understand the importance of mental and emotional health in successful breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby. By understanding the challenges and implementing helpful hacks, you can confidently navigate your breastfeeding journey.

At Ahimsa MD, we support you every step of the way, providing holistic and integrative care to ensure you and your baby thrive. Remember, whether you breastfeed, pump, or use formula, the most important thing is that your baby is healthy and well-nourished.

Dr. Simoni Baid

Integrative Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Ahimsa MD

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Are you ready to welcome your newborn into the world? Book your consultation today. Let us guide you and help you be the best mom you can be.

Don't hesitate to contact us at Ahimsa MD for more personalized support and advice. We are committed to helping you achieve a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding experience.