National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week 2023 are making a renewed effort to get the message out about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby by focusing on encouraging new mothers not to give up too soon.
New and expectant moms are consistently told that breast milk is perfect for their babies, yet worldwide less than 50% of babies are breastfed. One of the most common reasons cited is new moms’ fear of not understanding their babies’ hunger signals and wondering whether they are meeting their babies’ needs.
Education and support for these moms are critical to combat such fear and get breastfeeding numbers up, according to experts, who insist that breastfeeding even for a short time can make a big difference in an infant’s development.
What new breastfeeding moms should know
- As infants adapt and adjust, crying, agitation, and short sleep durations, especially at night, are common behaviors and not necessarily a sign that they are hungry or having difficulty feeding.
- New breastfeeding moms often misread these signs as an indication they are not producing enough milk to satisfy their babies, causing them to unnecessarily introduce formula early in their babies’ lives.
- The majority of cases where moms report insufficient milk production can be corrected with education and support.
- A nursing mother’s breast milk contains antibodies and fatty acids that are exactly what her baby needs to develop a strong immune system, prevent infection, and thrive.
- Breast-fed babies have a significantly lower risk of SIDS and developing food allergies, respiratory issues, and autoimmune diseases.
- Women who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
According to a study by the Yale School of Public Health, more moms are giving up breastfeeding early or choosing not to breastfeed at all because of anxiety about satisfying their babies that is exacerbated by a misunderstanding of infants’ hunger signals. Information and marketing by the commercial formula industry, the study found, has preyed on these fears in recent years, making it hard for moms to trust their instincts.
By promoting more educational efforts with health workers and breastfeeding support groups, experts hope to alleviate these fears and increase the confidence of new moms who long to successfully breastfeed their babies, whether for a few months or for their early years of life.
At the same time, doctors emphasize that breastfeeding may not be for everyone, and every new mother should be able to make her own decision about breastfeeding without feeling pressure or shame. Fair and unbiased information is critical for a woman to be able to make this decision for the benefit of her baby’s health and her own.
If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s development, whether breastfeeding is for you, or how supplementing with formula may make sense in your baby’s feeding schedule, contact the team at Stark Women’s Center. Our doctors can help you at any stage of breastfeeding and ensure you have the information you need to make the best decision for you and your baby.