So, you want to breastfeed. You’re not alone. Over 48% of new parents worldwide chose to breastfeed exclusively in 2023—the World Health Organization predicts that number will continue to climb. Why?
Well, you may have already heard: breastfeeding has been proven to have benefits, for both the parent and infant, that extend long beyond the first year of life.
But nursing can be an overwhelming, taxing, and even scary process, especially if you don’t know what you’re getting into. And that’s where we come in: We’ve got your back with the answers to your most pressing questions. Let’s dive in.
Is Breastfeeding the Only Way to Feed an Infant?
Nope. The choice to breastfeed is one that more and more new parents are making—but it is a choice. While breastfeeding is often recommended for the first six months, there are many ways to nourish your infant, including (but not limited to):
- formula feeding, where powdered formula can be mixed with water and/or another liquid and delivered through a bottle, cup, or spoon
- breast pumping, which allows lactating parents to harvest breast milk using a milk-drawing device and feed their infant with a bottle or cup
- cross nursing, in which an alternative or ‘surrogate’ lactating parent breastfeeds an infant—either on occasion or consistently
- and many more options.
Why Do Some People Choose to Breastfeed?
If you’re choosing to embark on a breastfeeding journey, you should know that there are quite a few benefits — for you and your infant. Let’s look into a few.
Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond
Surprise! The act of breastfeeding releases oxytocin, or the “bonding hormone,” in both your brain and your baby’s. Oxytocin is the neurochemical responsible for those warm and fuzzy feelings of tenderness and attachment between a parent and their child—and nursing and skin-to-skin contact can be great generators of this stuff.
A study from the National Institute of Health found that the oxytocin-influenced bond built during this special time has a critical impact on the parent child’s “emotional well-being.”
Fighting Postpartum Effects
Postpartum depression is a serious—and exceedingly common—mood disorder that can occur after childbirth. Remember oxytocin? Well, that same neurochemical released during breastfeeding works to “regulate stress and mood” in the lactating parent, combatting the onset of depressive episodes and anxiety.2
What’s more? The ritualistic practice of nursing is also great for establishing a routine and developing that much-needed structure meant to keep your brain busy, happy, and healthy.
Building a Strong Immune System
In case ya didn’t know, breast milk is essentially a mega-bomb of immune-boosting elements. Breast milk is a major vehicle for essential antibodies (developed in the lactating parent from previous infections and vaccinations), white blood cells, and bioactive compounds — all vital building blocks for your baby’s immune system.2
How Long Should I Be Breastfeeding For?
This one’s up to you, your primary care physician, and your baby’s pediatrician. Yes, many clinicians recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months—but that’s not always possible and might not be the right choice for you. Many parents choose to breastfeed long beyond the six month mark, while others switch to breast pumping or another method within the first few months. The world’s your oyster here, babe.
What If I’m Having Issues Breastfeeding?
Then you’re in good company. Over 70% of mothers experience difficulties during their nursing journey. Breastfeeding is not always a walk in the park, and there are many challenges that can affect your experience—let’s look into a few.
Low milk supply
Hypolactation, or low milk supply, is the phenomenon in which a lactating parent’s body produces less milk than a baby’s nutritional requirements. Lots of factors can result in a decreased supply, which means you should not be blaming yourself if it happens. Read that again — we’ll wait.
You’ll also want to be sure it’s happening! New parents often confuse normal latching issues for low milk supply. But if you do notice that your baby isn’t gaining weight or producing frequent bowel movements, connect with your doctor and a lactation consultant for individualized assistance.
Latching issues
If your baby is having issues attaching to your breast or suckling with ease, you may be experiencing latching issues—which are extremely common. This can happen due to the baby’s positioning, natural anatomy of the baby’s mouth or your breast, and many other factors.
Now, if you’re experiencing these challenges, you’re not doing anything “wrong”—finding a good latch is a trial-and-error sitch. Breastfeeding should be comfortable for both you and your infant, so if you find that feedings are painful, you may not have found the sweet spot (but your pediatrician or a lactation support group can help you find it).
Cracked or raw nipples
Yeouch. Unfortunately, cracked or raw nipples can be a regular occurrence for breastfeeding parents. According to clinicians, this challenge is typically caused by improper latches. The solve? Cleanse each nipple gently with warm water (or breast milk!) following feedings, pat dry, and slather them in lanolin or nipple cream.
Mastitis
Mastitis, or an inflammation of breast tissue, affects 1 in 5 people who breastfeed. It can be caused by clogged milk ducts, an oversupply of milk, missed feedings, or plugged latches—and it’s debilitating. You’ll want to look out for the following symptoms:
- Breast tenderness and/or swelling
- Pain or burning during feedings
- Feeling under the weather
- Fevers
Untreated mastitis can lead to serious issues — so if you’re noticing symptoms, head to your physician right away. And if you find yourself experiencing mastitis on a chronic basis, it might be time to (you guessed it) check in with your local lactation support group or visit a lactation consultant to find a solution.
Feeling less than enough
Not many people talk about it—but we have to. Many parents on a breastfeeding journey experience perceived insufficient milk (PIM), or the idea that the milk they’re producing isn’t nutritionally robust or enough for their baby. It’s startlingly common, and one study found that it was a major contributor to ceasing breastfeeding early.
So, let us make it clear: you are enough. There’s a learning curve in this process for everyone, whether they’re raising their first or fifth child. If you’re experiencing this or any of the above issues, lean on your support network and be gentle with yourself.
What You Need To Know
What do you need to hear? The answer’s simple: encouragement from other moms. Nothing reminds you that you’re not alone like support from a community of those that share your experience. And for now, we’re leaving you with these words from a mother on her journey:
“Breastfeeding…is like riding a bike; no one hops on a two-wheeler the first day and rides 19 miles. We get on the bike, fall off and try again. By the end of that summer, we do ride those 10 miles with ease. Breastfeeding is the same. It’s a skill, and it takes some practice.”
