4 August 2022Breastfeeding is a wonderful act of feeding your little one — but it’s more than just that. Breastfeeding provides incredible health benefits for both your baby and you. Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organisation for the first six months, and you can continue to breastfeed beyond that for a year or longer. The duration of breastfeeding is wholly determined by your baby and you. Regardless of how long you breastfeed, you’re giving your baby a gift that is priceless and benefits that will last a lifetime.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides numeral benefits for both mother and baby. For your little one, breastfeeding can help to protect against a number of illnesses, including ear infections, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections. Breast milk is also easily digestible by your baby, and it can help to reduce the risk of developing allergies. In addition, babies who are breastfed tend to gain weight at a steadier pace, which can help to reduce the likelihood of obesity later in life.
For mummies, breastfeeding can help to bond with your baby and promote healing after childbirth. Breastfeeding can also help to burn calories and may assist with weight loss after pregnancy. It even has the ability to help with blood pressure issues, and lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer. On a larger scale, you’re also helping our society as a whole by reducing environmental waste and increasing your green footprint.
Getting Started with Breastfeeding
You’re able to start breastfeeding from the first hours right after your baby is born. Having skin-to-skin contact with your baby can encourage bonding, leading to an easier breastfeeding experience . Once both baby and you are in a position that’s comfortable, you can then work on latching the baby onto the breast. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful, and if it is, your baby might not be latched on correctly. There’s a learning curve to breastfeeding, and it is best to try different holds with baby to figure out together what works best for both of you.
There is no set schedule for feedings, and you’ll learn your baby’s unique schedule and hunger as you go along your breastfeeding journey. As your baby grows, their feeding schedule will change, they may require more or less breast milk during certain periods like growth spurts. Your body will adapt to your baby’s needs. The most important thing is to feed your baby when they’re hungry and learn their hunger cues.
Keep Going with Support
There are many ways to increase your chances of success at breastfeeding . If you’re facing challenges with breastfeeding like latching, you can also speak to a lactation consultant. They are a great source of information to help make your breastfeeding experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
If you’d like to increase your breast milk supply, go for lactation bakes. These delicious treats not only boost milk supply, they also help with the quality of your milk and deliver nutritional goodness to your baby and you. Marian’s Lactation Boost has an array of low sugar lactation cookies, cupcakes, cold pressed juices and even ice creams for a healthy and beneficial meal or snack any time of the day.
Your Unique Breastfeeding Journey
Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different; let’s celebrate them all! We’re cheering for you and all breastfeeding mummies during the World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st - 7th with a 10% discount on all ala carte items with the code ‘BFWEEK10’! *Terms & Conditions Apply, not applicable with ongoing promotions, free delivery for orders above $80.
