Breastfeeding: A Lactation Consultant’s perspective

Breastfeeding….everyone seems to have an opinion don’t they? As a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), it’s my job to cut through all of the noise and help you make an informed choice on the best way to feed for YOUR family’s circumstances.

So what are the benefits for baby?

1. Complete nutrition:

In alignment with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the gold standard for infant nutrition is exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Breast milk provides everything your baby needs in the first six months, adjusting its composition to match the evolving needs of your baby, especially during that crucial first month of life.

In those first day’s post-birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick and golden fluid. Colostrum is a wonder food- it’s rich in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It’s the ideal first milk, meeting the needs of your new-born’s immature digestive tract. As the days progress, your breasts adapt to meet your baby’s needs. This is often referred to as your milk ‘coming in’. In those first few days of colostrum, the baby will feed little and often. Lots of mums worry that the baby isn’t getting enough- but the little and often mechanism is an inbuilt physiological way for your baby to stimulate your body to produce milk. Colostrum has everything your baby needs for those first few days. Depending on your birth, milk can take up to 7 days to ‘come in’, but often happens around day 2 or 3.

2. Antibodies: The shield against illness

Breast milk is a powerhouse of antibodies crucial for your baby's defence against viruses and bacteria, especially during those early months. Colostrum is particularly rich in immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies, forming a protective layer in your baby's nose, throat, and digestive system. Breast milk adapts its antibodies to your infants’ requirements, for example if you have a cold, the breast milk will change to include protective antibodies for your baby. We also know that a new-borns’ gut is immature, and breastmilk coats the digestive tract and gut with a protective layer.

3. Disease Prevention Through Exclusive Breastfeeding

Opting for exclusive breastfeeding, where the infant receives only breast milk, holds significant benefits in reducing your baby's risk for various illnesses and diseases. These include protection against middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, colds, gut infections and diabetes, to name a few. We now also know that breastfeeding has a protective factor against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and infant reflux.

4. Nurturing Healthy Weight and Development

Breastfeeding plays an important role in promoting healthy weight gain and preventing childhood obesity. Research indicates that breastfeeding for longer than four months significantly reduces the likelihood of a baby becoming overweight and suffering from obesity. This could be attributed to the development of different gut bacteria and higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria in breastfed babies, which influences fat storage.

Additionally, breastfed babies have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a key hormone which regulates appetite and fat storage. Breastfed babies also tend to self-regulate their milk intake, fostering the development of healthy eating patterns.

5. Boosting Intelligence: The Brainy Advantage

Breastfeeding contributes to enhanced brain development, which could make a difference in intelligence scores and potentially reduce the likelihood of behavioural problems and learning difficulties as children grow older. The physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding, along with the nutritional value, all contribute to these positive effects. Preterm babies, who are at a higher risk for developmental, gut and growth issues, particularly benefit from the positive impact on long-term brain development.

Breastfeeding benefits for mothers

6. Weight management and uterine health

Breastfeeding may assist you in losing weight after the birth. While some women experience weight gain during breastfeeding, many seem to effortlessly lose weight due to the increased calorie need of the body during breastfeeding. Three months into breastfeeding, you may notice a significant increase in fat burning compared to non-breastfeeding mothers.

Additionally, breastfeeding supports uterine health by aiding in contractions during the immediate postpartum period. Oxytocin, a hormone which is elevated during pregnancy and labour, continues to play a vital role during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions, reduces bleeding, and helps the uterus return to its previous size. Mothers who breastfeed generally experience less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.

7. Maternal emotional wellbeing

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a concern for many mothers. However, breastfeeding mothers seem to have a lower likelihood of developing postpartum depression compared to those who wean early or choose not to breastfeed. While those experiencing postpartum depression early after delivery may have challenges with breastfeeding, it's important to communicate any symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

8. Long-term health protection

Breastfeeding offers long-term protection against various diseases. The total time spent breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, high blood fats, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These health benefits extend beyond the breastfeeding period, providing lasting advantages for mothers. These are the benefits that are not often spoken about outside of a health professional environment.

9. Break in menstrual cycle

Continued breastfeeding can pause ovulation and menstruation, allowing for a natural break between pregnancies. This pause in menstrual cycles provides an extra benefit, giving you one less thing to think about whilst you are in the baby bubble.

10. Time and Financial Savings

Beyond the many health benefits, breastfeeding also offers practical advantages. It is a cost-effective choice, eliminating the need for formula expenses, bottle cleaning, and sterilization. It also means that there’s one less thing to think about packing for days out. Breast milk is always at the right temperature and ready to drink, saving you time and ensuring convenience.

The multitude of benefits associated with breastfeeding is a testament to its significance in providing optimal nutrition, immunity, and long-term health advantages for both mothers and their babies. As a British IBCLC in Dubai, I am committed to supporting you on this incredible journey. Whether you choose to breastfeed or explore alternative methods, Lullabies is here to help you make informed decisions on feeding your little one, as well as guide you on how to implement these decisions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about infant feeding or baby care, details are below:

Email: Lisa@lullabies.ae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lullabiesdxb/

Website: www.lullabies.ae

Breastfeeding: A Lactation Consultant’s perspective

Breast milk provides everything your baby needs in the first six months, adjusting its composition to match the evolving needs of your baby, especially during that crucial first month of life.

In those first days post-birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick and golden fluid. Colostrum is a wonder food- it’s rich in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It’s the ideal first milk, meeting the needs of your new-born’s immature digestive tract. As the days progress, your breasts adapt to meet your baby’s needs. This is often referred to as your milk ‘coming in’. In those first few days of colostrum, the baby will feed little and often. Lots of mums worry that the baby isn’t getting enough- but the little and often mechanism is an inbuilt physiological way for your baby to stimulate your body to produce milk. Colostrum has everything your baby needs for those first few days. Depending on your birth, milk can take up to 7 days to ‘come in’, but often happens around day 2 or 3.

2. Antibodies: The shield against illness

Breast milk is a powerhouse of antibodies crucial for your baby's defence against viruses and bacteria, especially during those early months. Colostrum is particularly rich in immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies, forming a protective layer in your baby's nose, throat, and digestive system. Breast milk adapts its antibodies to your infant’s requirements; for example, if you have a cold, the breast milk will change to include protective antibodies for your baby. We also know that a new-born’s gut is immature, and breast milk coats the digestive tract and gut with a protective layer.

3. Disease Prevention Through Exclusive Breastfeeding

Opting for exclusive breastfeeding, where the infant receives only breast milk, holds significant benefits in reducing your baby's risk for various illnesses and diseases. These include protection against middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, colds, gut infections, and diabetes, to name a few. We now also know that breastfeeding has a protective factor against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and infant reflux.

4. Nurturing Healthy Weight and Development

Breastfeeding plays an important role in promoting healthy weight gain and preventing childhood obesity. Research indicates that breastfeeding for longer than four months significantly reduces the likelihood of a baby becoming overweight and suffering from obesity. This could be attributed to the development of different gut bacteria and higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria in breastfed babies, which influences fat storage.

Additionally, breastfed babies have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a key hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage. Breastfed babies also tend to self-regulate their milk intake, fostering the development of healthy eating patterns.

5. Boosting Intelligence: The Brainy Advantage

Breastfeeding contributes to enhanced brain development, which could make a difference in intelligence scores and potentially reduce the likelihood of behavioural problems and learning difficulties as children grow older. The physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding, along with the nutritional value, all contribute to these positive effects. Preterm babies, who are at a higher risk for developmental, gut, and growth issues, particularly benefit from the positive impact on long-term brain development.

Breastfeeding benefits for mothers

6. Weight management and uterine health

Breastfeeding may assist you in losing weight after the birth. While some women experience weight gain during breastfeeding, many seem to effortlessly lose weight due to the increased calorie need of the body during breastfeeding. Three months into breastfeeding, you may notice a significant increase in fat burning compared to non-breastfeeding mothers.

Additionally, breastfeeding supports uterine health by aiding in contractions during the immediate postpartum period. Oxytocin, a hormone that is elevated during pregnancy and labour, continues to play a vital role during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions, reduces bleeding, and helps the uterus return to its previous size. Mothers who breastfeed generally experience less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.

7. Maternal emotional wellbeing

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a concern for many mothers. However, breastfeeding mothers seem to have a lower likelihood of developing postpartum depression compared to those who wean early or choose not to breastfeed. While those experiencing postpartum depression early after delivery may have challenges with breastfeeding, it's important to communicate any symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

8. Long-term health protection

Breastfeeding offers long-term protection against various diseases. The total time spent breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, high blood fats, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These health benefits extend beyond the breastfeeding period, providing lasting advantages for mothers. These are the benefits that are not often spoken about outside of a health professional environment.

9. Break in menstrual cycle

Continued breastfeeding can pause ovulation and menstruation, allowing for a natural break between pregnancies. This pause in menstrual cycles provides an extra benefit, giving you one less thing to think about while you are in the baby bubble.

10. Time and Financial Savings

Beyond the many health benefits, breastfeeding also offers practical advantages. It is a cost-effective choice, eliminating the need for formula expenses, bottle cleaning, and sterilization. It also means that there’s one less thing to think about packing for days out. Breast milk is always at the right temperature and ready to drink, saving you time and ensuring convenience.

The multitude of benefits associated with breastfeeding is a testament to its significance in providing optimal nutrition, immunity, and long-term health advantages for both mothers and their babies. As a British IBCLC in Dubai, I am committed to supporting you on this incredible journey. Whether you choose to breastfeed or explore alternative methods, Lullabies is here to help you make informed decisions on feeding your little one, as well as guide you on how to implement these decisions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about infant feeding or baby care, details are below:

Email: Lisa@lullabies.ae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lullabiesdxb/

Website: www.lullabies.ae