The Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best gift a mother can give her newborn. We want to see the United States breastfeeding rates increase through our efforts as care providers. Did you know that the United States has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world?

Breastfeeding is not only important in terms of providing optimum nutrition to the baby, it also has many other benefits for the mother and the baby.

Some benefits of breastfeeding include:

Optimal Nutrition

Breast milk has the right amount of water, nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes for babies.

The composition of breast milk changes with the baby’s age to meet the nutritional requirements of the growing infant. It helps them get the right amount of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Boosts Immunity

Breast milk contains plenty of antibodies and immune-boosting factors. When a baby is breastfed, it gets immune protection from its mother, which helps it fight infections and diseases.

Since breast milk comes from a natural reservoir, there is no chance of it growing bacteria or going bad, further preventing the risk of infection and boosting immunity.

Encourages Mother-Baby Bonding

Breastfeeding is not just about nourishing the baby, but also nurturing the precious mother-baby bond.

Breastfeeding promotes bonding as it harbors a personal connection between the mother and baby. When a mother and child have skin-to-skin contact, it releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” This hormone helps them feel comfort and emotional connection.

Breastfeeding can be a challenging time and does not always come naturally, which is completely normal! We have many resources to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals and will be here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!