Breastfeeding 411
- Dr. AVP
- Oct 4, 2021
- 3 min read
Breastfeeding is a way to give your baby natural immunity, but it is not for everyone especially when women have to get back to work soon after delivering. As pediatricians we do strongly encourage it but as a new mother there are a lot of stressors, here is what to consider and if you have more questions, talk to your pediatrician!
Pediatricians in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage breastfeeding in the first 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding as additional foods are introduced with continuation for a year or longer if desired.
When it comes to breastfeeding there are specific secretory immunoglobulins (IgA) that are found in breast milk. Immunoglobins are also known as antibodies, which help fight off viruses, bacteria germs, illnesses and diseases. There are 5 different immunoglobulins in the body: IgE, IgD, IgM, IgG and IgA. Immunoglobulins circulate through the body and IgA is found in saliva, tears and breastmilk. Each has a different function to help fight against infection. They are specific proteins that your bodies immune system makes after it is exposed to something harmful.
IgA is an antibody or immunoglobulin found in the mucous membranes of the body so the respiratory and digestive tracts. So that is why breastfeeding helps fight against diarrheal and respiratory tract infections. Infants who are breastfed have lower risks of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)- specifically preterm infants. They also have lower risk of severe lower respiratory diseases, acute otitis media (ear infections), asthma, obesity, gastrointestinal infections and sudden infant death syndrome. A deficiency of IgA seems to play a part in asthma and allergies.
Mothers who breastfeed also have significant benefits including decreased postpartum bleeding and rapid uterine involution due to increased oxytocin. Mothers will also have earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, and decreased risk of breast cancer/ovarian cancer along with less menstrual bleeding. Mothers may also have decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Also, think about how much money is saved by not having to buy formula for 6 months!
Some tips for mothers who do choose to breastfeed: do not use pacifiers in the initial stages, it may cause some "nipple confusion" for the infant and should not be used until breastfeeding has been established. Once infant is born, they should have about 8-12 feedings of the breast every day. Alternate each breast to ensure equal stimulation and drainage is met. If it has been more than 4 hours between feeds wake up the infant to eat. Once breastfeeding is established the frequency can decline to 8 times a day but during growth spurts your infant may want an increase in milk volume at times.
Also if you had a C-section it is normal to take a little while longer for the milk to come in, your body just went through a huge stress and needs time to recoup! There are a lot of stressors that come with having a new baby but you must take care of yourself and drink plenty of liquids and rest (while you can) to help with milk production.
There are few but not many contraindications to breastfeeding. If you are concerned or have further questions please talk to your pediatrician.
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