ABOUT BREASTFEEDING
A key part of the American Academy of Pediatrics infant safe sleep guidelines is breastfeeding, which has benefits for both Mom and baby. The AAP recommends human milk as the only source of nutrition for an infant’s first six months, then combined with other food sources while it’s continued for one or two years, as desired.
Benefits for Moms
- Breastfeeding promotes a faster and easier recovery from childbirth. It also releases the “feel good” endorphin oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its normal size and may reduce postpartum bleeding.
- Breastfeeding also triggers the release of prolactin, which supports milk production and maternal feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, adding to the bonding experience.
- Studies have also shown that women who have breastfed are at lower risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Benefits for Babies
- Breast milk contains all of the nutrients babies need during their first six months, including colostrum, which helps build immune systems and promotes cell growth.
- This strengthened immunity can reduce the risk of ear and other infections, colds, and allergies.
- Babies who breast feed are also at reduced risk for SIDS, diabetes, asthma, childhood overweight and several diseases. This includes decreased risk of late-onset sepsis in preterm infants.
Benefits for Families
- Partners can bond as a family as part of maternal breastfeeding support, helping Mom maintain her own fluid and food intake; find a comfortable position to breastfeed; and bringing the baby to her.
- Breastfeeding can save the family money and labor, with no need to buy formula or bottles and spend preparation time.
What Should You Know?
Here are a few tips for first-time moms:
- Consider joining a local breastfeeding support group before the baby is born, for education and community. It can offer advance prep and also help later with questions about nursing support devices, latching, and baby’s behavior.
- After the birth, the baby will go to the breast first and may feed for a while, up to 45 minutes or so.
- The baby should then return to the breast every 2 – 3 hours; the timing for this may be decided by baby’s feeding cues: lip-smacking, fist-chewing or moving around. The final cue is crying, but feeding should begin before then, to ease stress for mom and baby.
- In general, Day One is a baby sleeping day; Day Two may be a generally fussy day not necessarily due to hunger; and Day Three will be a heavy feeding day.
- Moms may later see heavier feeding at certain intervals; this is due to growth spurts. Spurts are usually the first few days; then a week to 10 days; three weeks; three months; six weeks; six and nine months. During this time infants may become fussy and clingy, with some disruption in their sleep habits.
Breastfeeding and Infant Safe Sleep
- Babies can join moms in bed for breastfeeding and comfort, but for maternal or infant sleep babies should be returned, on their backs, to their own sleep space, and this space should follow the AAP guidelines for infant safe sleep.
Breastfeeding is a Choice
First Candle supports the AAP guidelines, but we know there are personal points of view to consider. Not everyone can or chooses to breastfeed, for reasons that may range from individual health to personal, family or workplace situations. It’s not always easy and not every mom may be successful in reaching her breastfeeding goals, but if she feels knowledgeable and supported, she may be more likely to try. Decisions around whether it will be infant formula or breastfeeding and for how long are for the mom to make, supported by health care providers, family and friends.
And regardless of which feeding method is used, skin-to-skin contact between Mom and baby is recommended for an hour following the birth and continuing after returning home, with turns for each parent. It is calming, bonding, and may help infants regulate body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics: Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding (aap.org)
CDC Breastfeeding Recommendations and Guidance:
Breastfeeding Recommendations and Guidance | Breastfeeding | CDC
Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association:
https://(blackmothersbreastfeeding.org)
La Leche League:
Home – La Leche League USA (lllusa.org)
Family and Child Education (FACE): Indigenous Breastfeeding:
Indigenous Breastfeeding | FACE Resources
Office on Women’s Health:
Breastfeeding | Office on Women’s Health (womenshealth.gov)
Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care Training: https://www.carecourses.com/home
Caregiver Breastfeeding Check List: What to ask potential caregivers about you and your baby’s breastfeeding needs.
