Breastfeeding Support Group
Get the support you need from other new moms and lactation consultants every Tuesday. This free group is open to anyone in the community, not just NKCH patients.
Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby because it provides many nutritional and emotional benefits for both mother and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. After incorporating solid foods into the baby’s diet, they recommend continuing to breastfeed through the first two years of life or until the mother and baby agree to stop. But choosing to breastfeed a baby is a personal decision. Learn the benefits to help you decide what will work best for you and your baby.
Benefits for Baby
Builds a Stronger Immune System
During the first year, a baby’s immune system is very weak and vulnerable. When you’re exposed to bacteria or viruses, your body produces antibodies that go into your breast milk. Those antibodies help build the baby’s immune system to fight off bad bacteria and viruses.
Promotes a Healthy Weight
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain for babies and helps prevent obesity during childhood. Breastfed babies have more beneficial gut bacteria and more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is an important hormone for appetite regulation and fat storage.
Provides Ideal Nutrition
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition with everything a baby needs during those first six months of life. Breast milk changes according to the baby’s development and growth needs. After giving birth, your breasts produce a yellow, sticky fluid known as colostrum. This substance is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, helps further develop the baby’s digestive system.
Reduces Disease Risk
Only breastfeeding helps reduce a baby’s risk for many illnesses and diseases, including:
- Allergic diseases, like asthma and eczema
- Bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease
- Childhood leukemia
- Ear infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
Satisfies Emotional Needs
According to the AAP, breastfeeding promotes oxytocin production. Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” that the body produces during labor, while breastfeeding and when touching a loved one. This hormone strengthens the bond between mom and baby. Babies sometimes want to breastfeed for comfort because they’re scared, hurt or overwhelmed.
Benefits for Mom
Assists Postpartum Weight Loss
Breastfeeding can burn on average 500 calories daily. This can help you lose weight and return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
Helps Uterus Contract
During pregnancy, your uterus grows and expands from the size of a pear to fill the majority of your abdomen. After giving birth, the uterus shrinks back to normal. This process happens faster for nursing individuals than for those who don’t breastfeed. Oxytocin produced during breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its previous size.
Reduces Chronic Illness and Disease Risk
Breastfeeding helps reduce your risk of numerous diseases and illnesses, including:
- Arthritis
- Breast, cervical and ovarian cancers
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
For some, breastfeeding is an easy process that comes naturally. But for others, it can be difficult to get started and continue for long periods. North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health provide resources to help if you want to breastfeed, including lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.
Explore More
Breastfeeding: Did you know? (pdf)
Breastfeeding and Working Moms
Great Expectations
