Bluestem Health on the Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding benefits both mom and baby. We encourage moms to take advantage of The Sacred Hour and Skin-to-Skin to enhance the breastfeeding experience for mom and baby.

According to the World Health Organization, a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five. Breastfeeding plays an essential and underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness. Breastfeeding benefits both mom and baby. We encourage moms to take advantage of The Sacred Hour and Skin-to-Skin to enhance the breastfeeding experience for mom and baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

  • Less colic, gas, and cramping
  • Colostrum is produced right after birth and packed with nutrition
  • Provides antibodies and helps fight off illness
  • Decreases the risk of SIDS, heart disease, childhood cancers, obesity, stomach infections, ear infections, diabetes, pneumonia, and more.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

  • It’s free!
  • Saves time; no heating required
  • Quicker, smoother recovery after delivery
  • Decreases the risk for postpartum depression
  • Linked to decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes
  • Creates a bond with your baby

Benefits of Breastfeeding with Skin-to-Skin

  • Mom, dad, and baby create a bond
  • Baby feels safe, calm, and less fussy
  • More likely to breastfeed successfully
  • Baby stays the right temperature
  • Baby’s blood sugar level remains stable
  • Keeping mom and baby together following emergency and c-sections normalizes the birth

Benefits of Breastfeeding with The Sacred Hour

The Sacred Hour is the hour immediately after your baby is born and it cannot be recreated. It includes Nine Essential Stages. Everything that needs to be checked and done to baby should be delayed at least until after this hour is up. Moms can talk to their doctors about their preferences in their birth plan.

CAN YOU STILL BREASTFEED AFTER 12 MONTHS?

Yes! You can breastfeed until you and your baby decide your breastfeeding journey is over. The benefits of breastfeeding still protect your baby’s health and immune system.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on the Benefits of Breastfeeding and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend babies receive breast milk exclusively for 6 months, with breastfeeding to continue until at least 12 months of age.

The nutrition value and disease protection last for as long as you breastfeed. Even when the quantity of milk is less, the nutrition is there, but in more concentrated amounts.

WEANING

Baby-led weaning happens when a baby starts showing signs of being ready for solids. This means that they may also self-wean from breastfeeding. It does not have to be a battle. The times will decrease and it may mean going to only morning or night feedings toward the end of your benefits of breastfeeding journey. Read more on our Feeding your Baby blog.

BREASTFEEDING & LACTATION COUNSELING

At Bluestem Health in Lincoln, Nebraska, we believe Breast is Best. Breastfeed your baby if you are able. The benefits of breastfeeding are many. For more information and videos on breastfeeding visit breastmilksolutions.com/breastfeeding_mngmnt.html.

PUMPING CLINICS

Pump Clinics at Health 360 are for anyone 36+ weeks, pregnant or with a newborn. We cover breastfeeding topics like maintaining and maximizing lactation, latching, health benefits, renting a pump* and more. Insurance may cover the cost of a breast pump. We provide pumps to new moms if:

  • Mother has proof of insurance
  • Mother has a prescription for a pump
    *Please call your provider for a prescription.

CONTACT US

Breastfeeding and feeding your baby is important. For help with lactation counseling, obtaining a pump, or learning more about what we offer at Bluestem Health in Lincoln, NE, give us a call and we will connect you with someone who can help.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics
World Health Organization

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