The Benefits of Breastfeeding an Only Child

Breast is best. That’s what medical professionals are promoting nowadays. When my mum was having children in the 1970s the professionals were strongly pushing formula milk to mothers. She was the strange one, who insisted on using her own breast milk to feed her babies. But since then, we have learnt so much about the benefits of breastfeeding. Not only is breast milk packed full of nutrients, but breastfeeding can also help reduce anxiety in mothers and create a strong emotional bond between mother and child. I was certainly encouraged to breastfeed my child when she was born, and it worked well for us.  

Admittedly, not every mother can breastfeed her child and give them sufficient food, which is why many mothers use formula as an additional supplement. But what if there is not enough formula milk available where you live? What are your other options?  

Here are some awesome facts on why breastfeeding is best for an only child.

Benefits of breastfeeding: Breastmilk is uniquely designed for your baby 

Once your baby is out of your womb their organs are still developing at a rapid rate. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients for your baby that he or she can easily digest, (I say easily digest, but babies do still like to puke up a lot!)

In the first few days after birth, your breast produces a thick yellow substance called colostrum. It is packed full of nutrients and protein, but low in sugar. It is a perfect solution to give your baby the very best start in life.

After a few days, your breasts will produce milk and over time they will produce more milk as your baby grows.

Your breast milk is packed full of antibodies to help them fight diseases. It is also packed full of nutrients to help your baby to grow strong and healthy.

NB: Your breast milk doesn’t tend to produce enough Vitamin D for your baby (unless you happen to take a high dosage every day). It is worth giving your baby Vitamin D droplets as a supplement.

Benefits of Breastfeeding: It’s FREE

Formula milk can be so expensive, but breast milk is free (unless you fancy charging your baby for your milk?) Considering all the other mounting costs people are facing when having a baby, it’s nice to know that Mother Nature has provided us with the means to feed our babies at no additional cost. However, to give your baby the right quantity and quality milk you need to make sure you have a good well-balanced diet, and you eat some extra healthy calories. See below for a list of foods that can enhance your breast milk production.   

Benefits of Breastfeeding: It’s convenient

One of the cool things about breastfeeding is you have a ready supply of perfectly warm milk available at the drop of a hat. When your baby wants to feed at night you can sleepily stick your infant on your breast and doze off a little as they are suckling. Then put them in the Moses basket next to your bed. There is no mixing up formulas in the kitchen and waiting for it to warm up to the right temperature.

When you are out and about you don’t have to carry all the paraphernalia that comes with bottle feeding a baby. And considering all the other stuff you have to take when you have a baby, this is a blessing. Breastfeeding is really super convenient.

Benefits of Breastfeeding: It helps create a nurturing bond between mother and baby

For nine months your baby has been listening to your voice in the womb. Now they finally get to see your beautiful face. Your baby is wholly dependent on you right now and it is vitally important to their development that they bond well with you. Breastfeeding is one way that you can create a wonderful healthy bond. Sitting down and feeding your baby forces you to relax and just take in the marvellous miracle that your baby is to you. Breastfeeding your baby will help him/her develop a sense of safety and well-being.  

Benefits of Breastfeeding: It helps restore balance in the mother

After I had my baby, my hormones were all over the place. My anxiety hormones were off the scale. But every time I sat down and fed my baby directly from the source, I literally felt my hormones settle. The anxiety dissipated. As I was feeding my baby, I was healing myself.  Breastfeeding can help balance your hormones and also reduce the risk of developing serious conditions in the future such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Troubleshooting

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Sore or cracked nipples

Having sore or cracked nipples is common and uncomfortable. Be sure to moisturize them with an ointment that is suitable to use whilst breastfeeding. I used Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream ointment when I was breastfeeding and it was brilliant. It has also won the Mother & Baby award three years in a row.

Your baby is not getting enough milk

Babies can suckle for comfort, but this doesn’t always mean they are consuming enough milk. You can tell if your baby is having enough milk by checking the following signs:

• Their nappies are often full.
• You can hear them swallow.
• They have rounded cheeks when feeding.
• They seem relaxed during feeds.
• Your baby comes off your breast in their own time.
• Your baby has slightly moist lips after feeding.
• You seem more relaxed and perhaps sleepy after a feed.
• The baby is gaining weight.

You can increase the supply of your breast milk by following these tips:

• Make sure your baby is latched on properly. Their chin needs to be touching your breast, but their nose should not be squashed against it.
• Avoid giving your baby formula milk in the first 6 months.
• Feed your baby as often as possible, and let your baby lead on this.
• Be sure to express milk between feeds, this will boost your milk supply.
• Alternate your breasts. You don’t want lopsided boobs.

Engorgement

Believe it or not, your breasts can sometimes produce too much milk. Your breasts can swell up and it can be quite painful. I swear at times I thought my breasts were going to explode because they grew so large. To ease the discomfort make sure you are feeding your baby often. If your baby really does not want to feed and your breasts are super huge and uncomfortable you can express a little milk yourself.

Blocked Ducts

On occasion, you may develop a blocked duct in your breast. This will seem like a small lump in your breast. Thankfully, your baby may be able to help unblock the duct. Just point your baby’s chin towards the lump and let them suck. Don’t forget to massage the lump as your baby feeds. You can also use warm flannels on your breast to ease the discomfort.

NB: You need to deal with a blocked duct quickly, otherwise it could lead to mastitis.

Mastitis

Mastitis happens when a blocked duct is not relieved and the breast becomes very hot, swollen and sore. You may start to feel unwell and there is a danger it can become infected and you will need antibiotic treatment.

If you think you have mastitis carry on breastfeeding, even if it is painful as your baby can help relieve you.

If your symptoms are getting worse and you are feeling overly tired and feverish consult a medical professional.

N.B: If your mastitis is not treated it could become an abscess and will have to be surgically drained.

Don’t give up on breastfeeding, even if it is painful to do. Eventually, you will get into the rhythm of breastfeeding your baby and you will grow in confidence.

Best Foods for Breastfeeding

You can improve the quality and quantity of your milk through your diet. These foods are a great addition to your diet to improve your breast milk.

• Porridge – Good ol’ fashioned porridge has been feeding breastfeeding mums for generations. It is packed full of fibre, protein and iron.
• Eggs – Say what! Isn’t eggs on the big ‘no no’ list for pregnant and breastfeeding mums? Well actually, one way to help your baby build a tolerance for eggs is to eat them whilst breastfeeding. Just make sure they are hard-boiled throughout before you eat them and that they have the lion British Standards stamp of approval when buying eggs.
• Almonds – These are a great healthy snack. You can also enjoy almond milk and almond butter. They are packed full of protein and healthy oils for you and your baby.
• Fish – Another source of protein and healthy oils, especially omega 3, which is great for brain development. Eat plenty of white fish such as cod and plaice. However, only eat salmon, tuna and other oily fish in moderation because of mercury content.
• Dark leafy vegetables – Cabbage, spinach, kale etc are packed full of nutrients, especially iron that both you and your baby need.
• Lean Meat – Red or white meat is good for breastfeeding mothers as they are packed full of protein and red meat has plenty of iron too.
• Quinoa – This wonderful gluten-free flax is known to help produce breast milk supply, so if you feel your baby needs more milk sprinkle some quinoa on your breakfast cereal.
• Pro-biotic yogurt – Improve your digestion system and your baby’s system with a daily dose of pro-biotic yogurt.

Useful Equipment

I know I said that breastfeeding was convenient and you don’t need a load of paraphernalia, but if you want to express your milk so your partner can also feed your baby then it is worth purchasing some of this equipment.

Useful Websites

I have shared some of my breastfeeding stories with you and some cool facts on the benefits of breastfeeding. Some of the facts I have learned have come from the following sites. Feel free to visit them and learn more about breastfeeding and how it can help you and your baby.

www.nhs.uk
theeverymom.com
thebreastfeedingplace.com

For other tips on supporting your baby check out our post on ‘How to get your child to sleep‘

PS: When you are ready to wean your baby off breast milk our post How to wean off breastfeeding will help.