BREAST, BOTTLE, OR BOTH?
Posted by Parents & Kids Guest Writer | Jun 12, 2023
Breast, or bottle, or both? It’s the question every mom will ask with each new baby.
While both options will provide adequate nutrition to support baby’s growth and development, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies be exclusively breastfed until six months of age.
Breastfeeding supports a healthy immune system, as mom’s protective immunity passes to baby through the breastmilk. Benefits do not take long to realize. Babies who are breastfed for any period of time have lower risk of ear infections, and of type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding for even just one month reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies breastfed exclusively for three months also have a lower risk of dermatitis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and asthma. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months can reduce the risk of leukemia and lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia.
Breastfeeding helps mom, too. Moms who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Sometimes, however, things don’t go perfectly. All moms can’t breastfeed. Some can only manage for a little while. Other moms decide to keep going, but supplement with formula. Lactation consultants, midwives and other professionals can help new moms overcome challenges.
Latching problems
According to Toni Hill, direct midwife at Blooming Moon Midwifery Services in Tupelo, new moms should “seek lactation consultation for problems with latching.” Early assistance can make a huge difference in breastfeeding success. Lactation services can be found through a midwife, or through the hospital. Ask for a lactation consultant to come by before you are discharged, to establish a connection and have a resource to seek help when needed.
Milk supply concerns
Hill recommends skin-to-skin contact early on, to encourage milk supply.
“Do not use pacifiers,” she suggested, since babies need to get used to suckling properly.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends breastfeeding often, and starting as soon as possible. The more your baby is put to the breast, the more the breasts are encouraged to produce. Don’t skip sessions by pumping. Avoid decongestants, certain hormonal birth control methods, alcohol, and nicotine, as these can also reduce milk supply.
Breastfeeding pain and soreness
Make sure the baby is latching to the breast properly. This might require trying various holds. A lactation consultant can assist with trying different positions. A consultant can also check for inverted nipples, or make sure the baby has no challenges – such as tongue-tie – that might make latching more difficult. These can be addressed early, to improve the likelihood of success. The pediatrician or lactation consultation can also suggest topical creams or lotions you can safely use to address soreness.
Returning to work
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to provide reasonable breaks, and a private area (other than a bathroom) for pumping, for one year after the child’s birth.
“Talk to your employer beforehand, to make a plan,” Hill suggested, since many forget to do this prior to the birth. While at work, you’ll want to try to pump on the same schedule as that your baby is on for his or her feeding times. This schedule might change upon returning to work, but the intervals between pumping should essentially remain the same. Also, determine ahead of time how you might store this milk. Freshly-pumped breastmilk can be stored in a fridge for four days, and on a counter for four hours. It can be placed in a freezer for six to 12 months.
Baby’s weight
This will be monitored by your baby’s pediatrician. If weight gain is not appropriate, then a plan to address this can be discussed.
For any challenges that arise, seek support from a lactation consultant as soon as possible. That expert knowledge can help address any concerns in support of your desire to breastfeed.
Alicia Stevens, a resident of Pearl River County, is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two who enjoys traveling with her family and friends.
Breast, Bottle, or Both? - Parents & Kids (parentsandkids.com)