Discover the Benefits of Breastfeeding for You and Your Baby

August is National Breastfeeding Month and a great time to discover the beauty and importance of breastfeeding. If you're a new or soon-to-be mom, you've probably heard about the amazing benefits of breastfeeding. However, getting the proper guidance and support can sometimes be a challenge. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants, providing all the necessary vitamins and nutrients for growth and development.

How does breastfeeding protect both mom and baby? Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against infections and illnesses, reducing the risk of certain health conditions for both infants and mothers.

• Some of the benefits for infants include reduced risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and diarrhea. Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin, which not only promote the production of breast milk but also contribute to stress reduction and relaxation for both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding in the early weeks can sometimes be a challenge for new moms, but the benefits are worth it! Everyone in your circle can play an important role in the following ways:

• Family members can help with household chores or caring for other children, freeing up your time to focus on breastfeeding;
• Your healthcare provider can provide you with valuable information and resources, such as lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, or online forums, and
• If and when you return to work, your employer can assist by providing a private space for pumping, flexible schedules, and other accommodations to make continued breastfeeding feasible.

Redeemer Health can also be a great resource for women who choose to breastfeed. We have earned the Keystone 10 (K10) designation from the PA Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics Pennsylvania Chapter. This recognition underscores our commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. 

“Being part of the Keystone 10 quality improvement breastfeeding initiative highlights our commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. It also helps us achieve our goal of enhancing breastfeeding care, rates, and ultimately enhancing the health of both moms and babies,” says Christina Marczak, Director of Maternal Child Health at Redeemer Heath.

At Redeemer Health, our compassionate, knowledgeable lactation consultants will give you personalized support and guidance every step of the way. We also offer a variety of breastfeeding resources and videos on our website and in our online community @redeemerbaby on Instagram and Facebook, where you can meet and stay connected with other new moms. 

To learn more about our maternity care services and to download other useful educational materials about childbirth, breastfeeding, and after-delivery care, visit redeemerhealth.org/maternitycare.