The Truth about Breastfeeding: An Empowering Choice for Mother and Baby

Many women are often discouraged from breastfeeding with arguments about its difficulty, incompatibility with busy schedules, or the notion that formula is just as effective. However, the reality is that breastfeeding is a powerful and empowering choice, offering numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Don’t simply succumb to societal pressures. When deciding on the best way to nourish your baby, ensure you’re well-informed and trust your instincts to choose what’s best for you both.

Let's dive in to some of the benefits of breastfeeding, so you can make the most informed decision.

Some Benefits for Baby

• lowers risk of certain disease

• helps to prevent infection and inflammation

• protects against bladder and ear infections

• less likely to experience tooth decay

• helps build immune system

• lowers rate of hospitalization

• provides protection against common infections

• decreases risk of SIDs/SUIDs

• less likely to be overweight

Some Benefits for Mom

• may lower risk for postpartum depression

• helps build emotional bond with baby

• helps strengthen immune system

• reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer

• reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

• reduce high blood pressure

• recover more quickly from birth

• breast milk is free

The Benefit to Breastfeeding a Premature Baby

Did you know that breastmilk for premature babies is completely different than breastmilk for full term babies? That is because the milk a women produces is designed to fulfill the needs of her baby at whatever gestational age they are born. A women's breastmilk will change with the needs of her baby, which is why breastfeeding is such an empowering option.

Making Your Decision

The modern world comes with some fear and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding. If you believe breastfeeding is the right choice for you and your baby, but you're hesitant because you're a working mom, check out this article by Trinity Health IHA Medical Group:

https://stjoeshealth.org/newsroom/blog-articles/busting-myths-breastfeeding-working-mom

If you have already decided to breastfeed your baby but are facing challenges such as milk supply issues, pain, latch problems, or concerns about breastfeeding in public, you’re not alone. Many parents experience these difficulties. Seeking assistance from a lactation consultant or joining a breastfeeding support group can provide the guidance and encouragement you need. At Alight, we offer a free breastfeeding support group every other week. Call us today to register and join a community that understands and supports your journey.

No matter where you are in your breastfeeding journey, we want to empower you with the encouragement and information you need. Remember, how you choose to feed your baby is entirely your decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Sources Cited:

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Benefits of Breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-benefits-of-breastfeeding

la leche league international. (n.d.). Importance of Breastfeeding. la leche league international. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/benefits/

Loyola Medicine. (2020, September 8). Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother & Child. Loyola Medicine. https://www.loyolamedicine.org/newsroom/blog-articles/benefits-breastfeeding-mother-and-child

NIH. (n.d.). What are the benefits of breastfeeding. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding/conditioninfo/benefits

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/features/breastfeeding-benefits.html

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1