Lactation

Lactation

What are the benefits of breastmilk?

The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breastmilk help protect babies from illness. This protection is unique and changes every day to meet your baby’s growing needs.

Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of:

• Asthma
• Leukemia (during childhood)
• Obesity (during childhood)
• Ear infections
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Lower respiratory infections
• Necrotizing enterocolitis a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in
• Premature babies, or babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Type 2 diabetes

Breastfeeding helps a mother’s health and healing following childbirth. Breastfeeding leads to a lower risk of these health problems in mothers:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Though biologically speaking, breast milk is the optimal food for all newborns, it is not always optimal for other reasons. Some mothers are unable or struggle to breastfeed despite adequate support and guidance. And, some mothers can breastfeed, but have other complications that limit her ability to do so.

Many factors come into play when making the decision to breastfeed (or not). Life isn’t simply about choosing what is most optimal in one aspect, and ignoring the rest.

Many medical experts recommend breastfeeding your infant exclusively for the first six months, then breastfeeding in combination with other food sources for an additional six months. Dr. Sodhi does not deny the benefits of breastfeeding, and encourages all women to attempt to deliver the benefits of breastmilk to your newborn baby.

Brief Overview of the Benefits of Breastfeeding

Human breast milk contains an almost perfect ratio of fat to protein, along with vitamins and antibodies. Some other benefits may include:

• Decreased risk for allergies later in life
• Decreased risk for obesity and diabetes
• Decreased risk for certain cancers for mother and baby
• Fewer ear infections, colds, and hospitalizations
• Direct skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, which is important forbonding and a feeling of security.

Nutrition during Lactation

Breastfeeding and milk production is very energy-intensive for the body; it is important for nursing mothers to have an adequate caloric intake with the right ratios of micronutrients. For convenience, we have postnatal supplements, TheraNatal Lactation tablets, available in the office to help you manage your vitamin and mineral intake.

Lactation Counseling

Though breastfeeding might seem natural, it is not always a smooth and organic process; many women have the desire to breastfeed, but find that the process is not as natural as displayed. This is completely normal, and Dr. Sodhi and/or the Bloom Doulas can either support you directly or help refer you to a lactation counselor to help meet your needs.

If you already chose to work with Bloom Doula Services during the prenatal period, postpartum lactation counseling is included in your postnatal visit!