The theme for this year’s National Breastfeeding Month is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.” The purpose of National Breastfeeding Month is to promote the value and benefits of breastfeeding.

Women all over the world breastfeed their babies. It’s an experience shared by mothers and babies across continents and throughout time. Breastmilk is the best food for babies during their first year of life, and the act of breastfeeding itself also has health benefits. Not only does breastmilk set baby up for a healthier life, but moms who nurse benefit physically and mentally, too. 

Nourishing Baby and Mom in the First Year

Breastmilk has been called a superfood for babies because it has the fats, sugars and white blood cells to strengthen the baby’s immune system from the beginning. Colostrum, the first milk mom makes for baby, is full of antibodies babies need to protect them from getting sick as their bodies adjust to being in the outside world. As babies get older, their mothers’ milk continues to provide antibodies that help them stay healthy and grow strong.

But the benefits of breastfeeding don’t stop there. Research shows that breastfeeding helps protect babies from health issues, including:

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Ear infections

• Eczema

• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• Obesity

• Pneumonia

• Some types of meningitis

• Tooth decay and other dental issues

• Urinary tract infections

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 64 percent, and the longer babies breastfeed, the lower their risk. 

Breastfeeding during the first year offers significant benefits for mothers as well. Oxytocin, a hormone that promotes closeness, is released in the brain during nursing sessions, relaxing body and mind so moms can enjoy time with their babies.

Other health benefits include:

• Decreased risk for heart disease and stroke

• Increased metabolism, aiding in weight loss after pregnancy

• Lower chances of ovarian and breast cancer

• Protection against diabetes and high blood pressure

Mothers and babies who breastfeed in the first year can form a significant bond, too, thanks to more skin-to-skin contact.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Despite the advantages of breastfeeding, physical challenges can arise. Sore or engorged breasts, clogged milk ducts, and mastitis (an infection of the breast) can all make breastfeeding downright painful.

Pay close attention to how your breasts and nipples are feeling. Sometimes, soreness may arise from how your baby is latching on. Talk with a lactation consultant about different positions to try or other ways to help your baby get a good—but not painful—latch.

When redness, warmth, hardness or lumps accompany sore breasts, other factors may be at play. A milk duct may have clogged, backing up milk. Aching or fullness may mean breasts are overly engorged or full of milk. Try gentle massage, a warm shower or expressing a little milk. For severe engorgement, try a cold compress, gel pack or ice pack. Feeding the baby on the engorged or painful breast first may be helpful.

You can also experiment with different bras. Ones that are supportive but without underwire may be particularly comfortable, but trial and error can help you find what works for you. 

If painful symptoms persist, call your doctor. Red or warm breasts can also indicate mastitis—an infection that may need antibiotics to clear up.

Sustaining Long-Term Breastfeeding Success

Breastfeeding can also become difficult when mothers have little support, either at work or at home. In all 50 U.S. states, breastfeeding in public is legal. Still, societal pressure can make it hard for nursing mothers to feel comfortable doing so. Know your rights and communicate with partners, family and your employer about your choice to breastfeed, and ask for their help. 

Finding Peace of Mind

Some mothers may choose formula feeding to ensure their baby takes in adequate calories, because schedules or maternal health issues do not allow for breastfeeding or pumping, or for other reasons. If you decide formula feeding works best for you and your infant, don’t let guilt get in the way of enjoying your baby. Any infant formula authorized for sale in the U.S. contains all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive. 

Mothers facing challenges can also seek help from a lactation consultant or midwife or attend a local breastfeeding class. Ask your child’s pediatrician about resources or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 800-994-9662 or find a breastfeeding support group.

If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding, make an appointment with one of our doctors.