The benefits of breastfeeding go beyond just feeding your baby. Breastfeeding provides vital nutrition, strengthens your baby’s immune system, helps you recover postpartum, and even lowers the risk of certain diseases for both you and your baby.
In this article, we’ll explore the physical, emotional, and long-term advantages of breastfeeding. Then we’ll give you some expert-backed breastfeeding tips and answer the most common questions new moms ask when they finally come face to face with their new baby!
Although babies grow up with good feeding and nutrition whatever the method, let’s start with why our doctors consider breastfeeding best.
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?
Before the age of formulas, moms always did manage! So, what are the advantages of breastfeeding? It’s obviously convenient (because your breast is always with you!).
But breastfeeding is actually a powerful way to support your baby’s health and your own. The many health benefits of breastfeeding include:
>>Antibodies and immune factors – in breast milk that protect your baby from infections.
>>A perfect balance of nutrients – that are easy for infants to digest.
>>Hormonal changes – that help your body recover from childbirth.
>>Reduced risks – of certain cancers and chronic diseases for mom.
For many young moms, knowing this can help you make an informed choice.
Health organizations such as the WHO and AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months whenever possible.
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding vs. Formula?
You’ll almost certainly want us to qualify all that by commenting on the benefits of breastfeeding vs. formula.
From our experience in clinic, the answer is that formula is a safe alternative, but that breastfeeding has unique qualities formula can’t fully replicate. We can summarize those qualities of breastfeeding like this:
Advantage for Your Baby’s Health
Lower risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Reduced risk of developing allergies and obesity later in life.
Emotional comfort and bonding during feeds.
These advantages of breastfeeding your infant are tied to bioactive compounds and live immune cells that only breast milk provides.
Advantage for Your Health as a Mom
Breastfeeding also benefits you by:
- Helping your uterus return to normal size more quickly
- Reducing postpartum bleeding
- Lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers
- Supporting healthy weight loss after pregnancy
- Reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes over time
- Releasing oxytocin that helps you bond and helps milk flow
Clearly, the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby are worth understanding as you weigh your choices.
Emotional and Developmental Aspects of Breastfeeding Your Infant
We’ve shown how breastfeeding supports physical health. But it also supports emotional well-being and long-term development in various ways we’ve witnessed in clinic.
Firstly, the hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, promotes feelings of love and attachment.
Secondly, babies who are breastfed often show better self-regulation and lower stress responses. This can make your postpartum months a lot less worrying!
And finally, some recent research links breastfeeding to slightly higher IQ scores and improved cognitive development later in childhood. The effect size was small but it’s aspirational in essence!
These emotional and developmental advantages of breastfeeding can make a lasting difference. So –
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Breastfeeding?
Beyond the early months, breastfeeding can lead to better general health as children grow up.
They seem to have lower rates of asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and obesity. And potentially improved school performance and behavior.
And for you as the mom, one benefit is sustained protection against breast and ovarian cancers. Plus a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome later in life.
Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding can feel challenging at first, but with the right help, it often becomes easier.
Here are a few tips:
- Start as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within the first hour.
- Make sure your baby has a good latch. Their mouth should cover much of the areola.
- Feed on demand rather than on a strict schedule, especially in the first few weeks.
- Keep your body hydrated and eat healthily to support your milk supply.
- Don’t hesitate to rest and ask for help.
If you experience pain, cracked nipples, or worry about your milk supply, a lactation consultant can offer practical advice and reassurance.
Which leads us to… the most common questions we get asked at Stella Mattina.
Common Questions New Moms Ask
It’s natural to have questions. Here are some we hear most often from new moms:
How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
Look for steady weight gain, regular wet diapers (about 6–8 a day), and signs of satisfaction after feeding.
What if breastfeeding hurts?
Some discomfort early on can be normal, but pain, cracking, or bleeding are signs to adjust latch or positioning.
Can I breastfeed if I have inverted nipples?
Often yes, with guidance from a professional – and sometimes the use of nipple shields.
Do I need to avoid certain foods or medications?
Some medications and alcohol can pass through breast milk. Talk to your provider for specifics.
When should I see a breastfeeding specialist?
As soon as you have concerns about latch, supply, or pain. Or even just for reassurance.
Does breastfeeding affect my period or fertility?
For many women, exclusive breastfeeding does suppress ovulation for several months. But it’s not a reliable method of contraception!
How to Get Support for Breastfeeding
Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is unique. If you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or just want extra guidance, reach out to your healthcare provider or ObGyn. They can help you to:
- Connect with a certified lactation consultant for ongoing help
- Troubleshoot common challenges like low supply or painful nursing
- Monitor both your and your baby’s health as you establish breastfeeding
Support and encouragement are key. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Stella Mattina Can Help You Discover the Benefits of Breastfeeding
At Stella Mattina, we’re here to help you discover the full benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. Our caring ObGyn and primary care providers are experienced in guiding new moms through this exciting (and sometimes challenging) stage.
And if, after consultation and trial, you find you cannot continue, we’ll support you to feed your baby successfully with formula – no judgement, no recriminations. We’ll help you ensure your baby thrives.
Schedule an appointment at one of our clinics today and let’s talk about how you can feed your newborn successfully. Find your nearest location.
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas has been in practice for over 30 years. He was born in Cotija Michoacán, Mexico. At a young age, he went to Mexico City where he attended medical school and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. With his heart full of dreams and hoping that one day he could make a difference in the community, he immigrated to the United States in 1983. He finished his education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Venegas then started his practice in 1984.