Breastfeeding: The Best Gift for Baby

Each year during the month of August, Breastfeeding Awareness is highlighted and recognized around the country. During this time, there is greater effort to share more information about its benefits while offering tips and advice to new mothers who are seeking to breastfeed. Although the health benefits of breastfeeding have been widely shared, greater work is needed in our community so that we can see an increase in the number of African-American women who engage in the practice. The list of benefits offered from breastfeeding could go on and on, but some of the biggest ones include:

• Improved healing post-delivery
• Faster weight loss for new mothers
• Reduced risk of SIDS
• Overall healthier baby

Dr. Amandla Shabaka-Haynes currently serves as the Care Coordinator for the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition in Tallahassee, FL coordinating practical support to pregnant women, infants and families in the community. She shared other benefits that new moms can take into consideration. “Breastfeeding also reduces the incidence of breast cancer development. When we get pregnant, our bodies produce hormones and go through these physiological changes in an effort to help us fulfill our roles as mothers,” says Dr. Haynes. “It’s a natural thing, and the action of breastfeeding helps to keep the cancer cells at bay. This is especially important in black women, due to the higher incidence of breast cancer among us.” Dr. Haynes adds that the cost savings is another big plus when it comes to breastfeeding. “The financial benefit is a big one I like to point out. You don’t have to buy formula or bottles. Additionally, formula feeding can sometimes be complicated because not all babies take the same type of formula so you may have to buy more than intended.” Another major benefit of breastfeeding is that it also allows for mothers to bond with their baby in a very special way. “It’s necessary for the baby and produces a dopamine response for the mom, allowing her to feel good knowing that she’s nurturing her baby. Breastfeeding can help to prevent baby blues and postpartum depression,” says Dr. Haynes. There are a lot of misconceptions which are sometimes attached to breastfeeding and can sometimes deter new mothers from attempting with their babies. One of the main misconceptions is that it’s going to hurt or that the baby is going to be biting. However, Dr. Haynes shares that this is not a continuous problem. “I like to tell new moms that this doesn’t last very long, at all. Once the baby gets a good latch and is properly taking milk from breast, the pain and soreness go away.”  Breastfeeding may not always be easy at first and may be a process in the beginning, but getting educated on it is helpful. “There are some hurdles that can be discouraging at first, but if you can push past all of that, it’s usually a success,” shares Dr. Haynes.

Taking in the right foods and the proper amounts is key, as well. For pregnant and breastfeeding moms, maintaining a balanced diet is always the best route to take, as well as adding an additional 500 calories. “Its important to get some of every food group in your diet each day,” shares Dr. Haynes. “Stay away from processed foods, artificial sugars, and things of that sort. All the foods mom eats enter the placenta and breast milk so you want to be taking in the best things.” Incorporating additional supplements such as a multivitamins, iron capsules or folic acid can be another good idea. “Iron depletion is a big thing in breastfeeding moms. Eating foods like fortified cereals, dark, leafy greens, and beans are good choices for iron intake,” says Dr. Haynes. This advice is great for mothers who are vegan or vegetarian and want to ensure that they do not develop a deficiency of any sort. There are also certain food items that new mothers are specifically advised to remove from their diet. “It’s best to stay away from cold cuts, deli meat, hot dogs, and similar processed items. These tend to be high in nitrates, and may even have some harmful bacteria,” Dr. Haynes adds. In fact, it’s been noted that Listeria can be found in deli meat, hot dogs and soft cheeses and certain milk products. Additionally, it’s best to avoid too much fish consumption due to mercury levels which can cause nervous system issues. For women who are active, Dr. Haynes advises that it’s important to remember that breastfeeding burns a lot of calories on its own so these calories must be replenished. “Active moms really have to keep the calories coming in because the metabolism is moving fast. Eat more portions, but not necessarily a lot of fatty foods. Also, drink a good amount of pure water.” In addition to caloric intake, for many mothers who are active, the question of whether or not to consume protein shakes may come up. Dr. Haynes mentions that it’s important to remember that everything mom is taking in goes through the breast milk. “The protein supplements may be beneficial for mom, but there may be some ingredients of which the baby doesn’t need excess,” she adds. “Breastmilk is specifically formulated for the baby without having to add anything to it and some moms will notice that once they start adding things to their diet, the baby may be more gassy or have some form of discomfort, so I caution more on the side of safety when adding formulations such as that.” It’s been said time and time again that breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Moreover, once mom is able to learn how to breast feed properly, it becomes an easier and beautiful experience for everyone. “It truly becomes a family experience. Everyone may not be feeding the baby, but when family members see how mom and baby are interacting and how the baby is responding to it, it becomes a family endeavor and everyone in the family respects it.”