Lactation and Breastfeeding Consultants in Staten Island, NY
Having a new baby is exciting but can leave new parents with many questions. One of these is whether to breastfeed. Richmond University Medical Center is here to help. Located in Staten Island, New York, our pediatrics and maternity centers offer helpful resources and lactation consultants to guide new mothers and make breastfeeding easy. Learn more about our breastfeeding and lactation services.
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Breast Milk Is the Best Milk
Nature designed human breast milk specially for babies, and it remains the best option for newborns. Here are some of the reasons why:
Adaptive Formula
Breast milk does not stay the same throughout an infant’s growth. During the first days after childbirth, breasts produce colostrum. This substance is thicker than breast milk and contains a high concentration of vitamins to give the baby an early boost. Colostrum later turns into normal breast milk.
Nutrient Balance
Breast milk contains a precise balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins to nurture a newborn’s body, brain, and nervous system. Babies who breastfeed perform better on intelligence tests, and their eyes develop sharper vision faster than babies who live on formula.
Easy Digestion
Nutrients in breast milk are delivered in an easy-to-digest format, ensuring that newborn babies gain all the benefits. Babies have fewer upset tummies and a healthier rate of weight gain as they grow. They are also less likely to develop obesity or diabetes as children.
Immune Support
Breast milk lets mothers share antibodies with their infants, significantly boosting their immune system while they are the most vulnerable. Babies who breastfeed have a higher resistance to viruses and bacteria, with fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
Disease Protection
Breast milk may also protect against other diseases. Studies have connected breastfeeding to lower rates of asthma, allergies, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and certain cancers. This, in turn, leads to fewer hospital trips and emergency services, reducing stress for babies and parents alike.
Stronger Bonds
Breastfeeding is an intimate experience that creates close skin-to-skin contact and eye contact. This helps solidify the bond between mother and child, leading to increased trust, greater feelings of security, and less anxiety or fussiness in babies.
Breastfeeding for Mothers
Babies are not the only ones to benefit from breastfeeding. There are advantages for mothers as well. Because breastfeeding is the natural next step after childbirth, it plays a vital role in the mother’s recovery. These are just some of the ways breastfeeding can help mothers recover from pregnancy:
- Weight loss: Breastfeeding burns extra calories, which can help mothers lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
- Faster recovery: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a hormone that encourages the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This helps reduce bleeding after birth.
- Reduced cancer risk: Breastfeeding has also been connected to reduced risk for ovarian and breast cancer.
Though it may seem like an extra physical strain, breastfeeding actually helps mothers bounce back. They feel more energized and able to tackle the many other challenges of baby care.
Choosing to Breastfeed
Choosing to breastfeed is a personal decision. However, experts from American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend breastfeeding when possible. Breast milk’s array of benefits cannot be matched by formula.
Though synthetic formulas exist, and the technology behind them is constantly improving, they still cannot replicate natural breast milk. These formulas remain nutritionally imperfect and difficult to digest. They also lack the antibodies that provide vital immune support when newborns are most vulnerable. They also cannot replicate the bonding experience of breastfeeding. As a result, formula is an imperfect replacement for what nature designed.
Lactation Support for New Mothers
Motherhood can be stressful. Not only are new mothers healing from labor, but they also have the responsibility of caring for a baby. Breastfeeding is only one more challenge to overcome. Though it becomes easier with time, many new moms struggle with early feeding difficulties.
Richmond University Medical Center offers a variety of supports for new mothers. Breastfeeding classes teach proper techniques to help babies latch on, making feeding sessions less stressful. La Leche League also offers support groups where new mothers can share experiences and help one another through an exciting, but often difficult, time.
Meet a Lactation Consultant in Staten Island, NY
Breastfeeding can be challenging. Fortunately, you are not alone. Richmond University Medical Center offers lactation consultants who can help you breastfeed with confidence. Our classes and consultation services are available at our state-of-the-art facility in Staten Island, NY. Contact us at (718)-818-4375 to learn more about the resources available or to schedule an appointment.
