Source: Verywell Family
Mothers have been breastfeeding their children for centuries, providing the babies with nutritious milk. Although not all mothers are able to breastfeed for various reasons, it is important to understand the benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is very valuable to infant health. The nutrients and enzymes found in breastmilk are easily absorbed by the infant [1]. Breastfeeding also provides antibodies to the baby. Live antibodies from the mother are in the breastmilk and get absorbed by the baby’s blood [1]. This helps strengthen the immune system, resulting in a lower incidence of asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [2]. Long term, breastfeeding correlates with fewer instances of allergies, childhood cancers, colitis, and cavities [1].
Breastfeeding is also beneficial to mothers. The act lowers the mother’s risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer [2]. The skin-to-skin contact fosters both the physical and emotional bond between mother and child [1]. While feeding, the mother is likely to stroke and comfort the child, adding to the bonding experience. Oxytocin and prolactin, soothing hormones, are produced in the nursing mother’s body, helping her relax [1].
Breastfeeding is not always performed by the mother of the child. In cases where the mother has died or cannot lactate for some reason, another woman may breastfeed the child. In some cultures, babies from different mothers are “milk-siblings,” sharing the same wet nurse (a woman who breastfed the children). Wet nursing used to be a very prevalent occupation, especially during the Renaissance period. The profession was very organized and appealing to poor women [3]. An alternative to breastfeeding during that time was using animal milk, especially goat milk, to feed the child. An issue with this choice is that the child lacked crucial antibodies, however, the animal’s milk was pretty similar to breastmilk. Nowadays, infants are fed formula milk, manufactured milk that mimics breastmilk, instead.
A mother should have the right to choose whether they should breastfeed. She should not be forced to use formula milk just because of her employment. Employers should support mothers, making accommodations for maternity leave and pumping. The CDC has been partnering with states to help employers be more helpful to nursing mothers. Speak to a doctor to determine if breastfeeding is the right choice for you. Your doctor will have many resources that can teach you how to manage breastfeeding.
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-baby--for-mom