Breastfeeding is Best

Studies reveal that breast fed babies fare better developmentally, have fewer infections, have less colic, and  have a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome. As mammals, we are meant to nurse our young. Formula is a substitute but can never replicate all the benefits of breast milk. 

Exclusive human milk feeding for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding for 1 to 2 years of life or longer, is recognized as the standard for infant feeding. Human milk is uniquely suited to the human infant, both in its nutritional composition and in the non-nutritive bioactive factors that promote survival and healthy development.

Feeding human milk protects against infection and inflammation. Early milk is enriched in immune factors that help to ensure infant survival. The specific protective components of human milk are so numerous and multi-functional, that science is just beginning to understand their functions.

Human milk contains a variety of cells, including macrophages, T cells, stem cells, and lymphocytes. In addition, human milk is full of cytokines. Human milk cytokines can cross the intestinal barrier, where they “communicate” with cells to influence immune activity.  Breast milk-borne cytokines defend against infection, and  reduce inflammation. 

Breast milk is superior nutritionally and is packed full of antibodies that help fight infections. Every infection that mom has fought throughout her life is reflected in her antibodies.  She has antibodies against past illnesses in addition to  any illness she is currently fighting off.  Breast milk shares these antibodies with the newborn for protection.  As the infant is exposed to any current infection mom is fighting off, they are also exposed to the antibodies mom is making in response to the infection through her breast milk. There is no substitute for this protection.

Successful breast feeding requires nursing frequently especially in the first 2 weeks. Putting the infant to the breast frequently not only stimulates the milk to come in but hastens recovery. Those first few days are invaluable. Let the focus be on nursing, eating, hydrating and resting as often as possible. Plan on letting everything else go (or be done by ‘helpers’) those first several weeks.

Unfortunately, there is not a button to press for the milk to flow. It is a demand and supply system. The more the newborn suckles, the more it stimulates the mothers milk to come in. If this stimulation does not happen, the milk will simply not flow. The newborn should be encouraged to suckle every 2 to 3 hours starting at birth.

Nursing a newborn is such an amazing and powerful experience. But it can also be very emotional and draining. New moms may have had a difficult delivery or a cesarean section. Things are not going as planned. Parents are often getting conflicting messages from friends or relatives. Everyone is exhausted and frustrated. The most confidant and competent of moms can be completely undone by a difficult start to feeding their infant.

For some moms it just seems to come naturally. Everything falls into place. The infant is vigorous and alert. The baby is a natural nurser. Moms breast milk comes in after a day or two and everything is off and running. 

But for many moms things don’t go that smoothly. Be prepared for it to be a bit of work. Read about it. Watch videos. Be ready to have to work to get your baby to latch. Set a positive attitude toward tenacity to allow a few bumps without giving up. Better to be pleasantly surprised that your experience was easier than expected.

Well intended staff, family and friends will offer to feed your child to let you get rest. But if the demand for your milk is not there the supply will not follow. “Help” from others is best directed to avoid sabotaging your efforts. Having these discussions prior to birth will often make this transition go more smoothly.

Loved ones can help in many ways. Let them help by taking over diaper changes, bringing you healthy meals or holding the baby while you take a shower. They can do the shopping and cooking.  They can do your laundry. They can entertain older siblings. They can walk the dog. 

Be grateful for their help. But be clear that your main goal during the first 2 weeks is to establish breastfeeding. Be clear that feeding your child for you will not help you meet that goal. If you are exhausted, they may bring your newborn to you. After you nurse they may do some of the other care so you can get some rest. 

Ultimately we want your infant to thrive. We want the baby to be nourished. We want breast feeding to succeed but we also want mom to be able to enjoy this time.

In the first few days a newborn is meant to have small, frequent volumes of colostrum. Large volumes are not necessary and often detrimental. Just a frequent trickle is all an otherwise healthy newborn needs in the first day or two. This gives adequate hydration and energy and stimulates the gut. It is rich in protective factors.

The colostrum contains electrolytes, nutrients and antibodies. The full fat version begins to be produced a few days later. The volume gradually increases to match the demand. 

Newborns are expected to lose weight after birth. It is normal for them to be just back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age.  The two week check is the first hurdle. When the lost birth weight is regained and nice growth velocity is occurring, it  is reassuring for everyone. It means breast milk is in and the newborn is effectively nursing and that the infant is efficiently absorbing nutrients. There is relief all the way around. 

Formula fed infants may often unintentionally be overfed in the first weeks of life. This may be accompanied by lots of spitting and discomfort. This often leads to switching formulas and much confusion amongst parents and caregivers. 

Some infants do take a bit longer to regain the birth weight. Work with your provider. There may have been some feeding issues early which have already been remedied. As long as your infant is vigorous and the velocity of growth is good, there is usually no cause for alarm. 

There may be times when breast-feeding is not indicated. There are very few illnesses/conditions and/or medications that preclude breast-feeding. Have discussions with your provider. Unless there is an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding consider continuing.

Be prepared. Be ready for it to be hard. Give it your all. Be tenacious. 

Your provider will continue to monitor growth and development closely in the first few months of life. If the growth rate is just a little slower than expected, it’s often remedied by a few adjustments. Sometimes nursing one extra time during the day or nursing a little bit longer on each side will make the difference. This needs to be  quickly reevaluated to assess the outcome of these changes, making sure that they are adequate. This may need additional or more frequent visits to the provider.

Sometimes despite best efforts, your baby continues to have poor growth. Work closely with your provider. If your baby doesn’t seem to be gaining adequate weight on breast milk alone, supplementation may be necessary.

This may wreak havoc on your emotions.  Many moms struggle with guilt. Some will feel inadequate. The blame and shame cycle can be brutal. Avoid spending too much energy here. Forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up. Stay emotionally strong. Do not be undone by this.

Even if supplementation is necessary, avoid giving up entirely on nursing. Some breastmilk is always better than none. Any amount of breast milk is beneficial. Each time your infant gets breast milk they are getting a dose of antibodies and other protective factors. This is not all or nothing.  Any breast milk you give your child is a success. 

When breast-feeding is not going well, some desire to completely abandon it. They may find the experience too stressful. For some discontinuing breast feeding may be what is necessary for their emotional well being. Mourn it. And move on. There are so many other things that you can do as a mother for your child. Focus on the rest. 

If it is possible, change your mindset. You are going for 100 percent breast milk but any percent is better than none. Consider any breast milk to your infant as a win. 

Most mothers can and will be successful at breastfeeding their infants. The benefits are worth the efforts. Do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for success. Then enjoy your newborn. Marvel at what your body has created and gone through. It is nothing short of miraculous.