Breast milk is known as liquid gold as it has health benefits for a newborn infant, but breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well.
For example, some studies have reported greater weight loss for breastfeeding mothers than for mothers who do not breastfeed.
There have been studies which have shown that breastfeeding lowers the risk of postpartum depression, type 2 diabetes, as well as ovarian and breast cancer.
Nutrients in breast milk can benefit a newborn and protect them from illness and infections. The balance of hormones, antibodies, and cells in the milk can reduce and lower the child’s risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), type 1 diabetes, childhood leukemia, and atopic dermatitis (skin rash).
Breastfeeding is an excellent opportunity for bonding between the mother and infant. It is also cost-effective since a family can save as much as $1500 per year by not buying formula and bottles.
Early breast milk produced just after birth is known as colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum). It is thick yellow breast milk which the infant receives for the first three days. Around the third through fifth day, colostrums changes into mature milk which is thinner in consistency.
This milk helps your baby grow, and provides all the antibodies and nutrients your child needs.
Women who do not have health problems should breastfeed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an infant diagnosed with galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder should not be breastfed.
Women who should not breastfeed include the following:
• Women with HIV
• Women with tuberculosis
• Women taking illegal drugs
• Women taking antiretroviral medications
• Women drinking alcohol
• Women infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
• Women taking prescribed cancer chemotherapy agents, such as antimetabolites that interfere with DNA replication and cell division
• Women undergoing radiation therapie should temporarily interrupt breastfeeding
Women with breast implants may more than likely be able to breastfeed. However, it will depend on the type of breast augmentation you received.
According to BabyCenter.com, "most approaches are compatible with breastfeeding. Incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit shouldn't cause any trouble. A smile incision around the areola increases your risk of having breastfeeding problems."
A lactation consultant or a doula can assist with breastfeeding issues and should be contacted if you are having issues or if you need additional assistance.
Sources:
"Diseases and Conditions." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 06 June 2013. Web. 21 June 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/BREASTFEEDING/disease/index.htm
"Breastfeeding: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 21 June 2014.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/breastfeeding.html
"Breastfeeding after Breast Augmentation (implants)." BabyCenter. Web. 21 June 2014.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_breastfeeding-after-breast-augmentation-implants_8680.bc
"Why Breastfeeding Is Important." Womenshealth.gov. Web. 20 June 2014.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important
Reviewed June 23, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith