Breastfeeding Tips: Common Breastfeeding Positions\n

\n<p class='\"css-w2pt6r\"'>It\u2019s a good idea to nurse your baby, if you\u2019re able. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. It has the right amount of nutrients and is easily digested.\n</p><div>\n<div>\n<figure class='\"css-yhe8zq\"'><span class='\"css-rwmw5v\"'><span class='\"css-mjp0j9\"'><picture class='\"css-16pk1is\"'><source srcset='\"\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/baby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg?w=1575' media='\"(min-width:'></source><source srcset='\"\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/baby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg?w=1575' media='\"(min-width:'></source><source srcset='\"\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/baby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg?w=1845' media='\"(min-width:'></source><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"css-1jytyml\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/i0.wp.com%5C/post.healthline.com%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2020%5C/07%5C/baby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg?w=1155&h=1528%5C%22" alt='\"Mother' and baby while breastfeeding><a class='\"icon-hl-pinterest' css-q12qfg title='\"Share' on pinterest target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noopener' noreferrer nofollow data-event='\"Any' page click clicked data-element-event='\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any' body widget data-pin-custom='\"true\"' data-share-url='\"https:\/\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/baby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg\"' data-pin-log='\"button_pinit\"' data-pin-href='\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button?guid=KyncrLGG52Bz-2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fhealth%2Fbreastfeeding%2F11-benefits-of-breastfeeding&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.healthline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2Fbaby-breastfeeding-1296x728-header-1.jpg&description=11%20Benefits%20of%20Breastfeeding%20for%20Both%20Mom%20and%20Baby\"'><span class='\"css-8yl26h\"'>Share on Pinterest\n\n\n<div>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been considering not breastfeeding your new baby, you\u2019re probably inundated with information. It\u2019s a personal decision only you can make, but the benefits are seemingly endless.\n\n</p><div>\n<div data-preamp='\"serena-chatbot\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p>The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends\u00a0exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continuing even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age 1 year or until both mom and baby agree to call it quits.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding\u00a0until 2 years old or longer<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0because the benefits continue that long. These agencies recommend starting as early as one hour after birth for the biggest benefits.\n\n<div>\n<p>Before you decide (or if you just need reassurance that breast milk is the right choice for you), let\u2019s go through all the benefits to both you and baby.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>These recommendations don\u2019t come lightly, and you\u2019ll see why.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Here are 11 science-based benefits of breastfeeding that are amazing for you and for your little one.\n\n</p><div class='\"css-20w1gi\"'>\n<aside class='\"css-0' css-0 data-testid='\"sticky-inline-ad\"' data-sticky='\"false\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"css-1sq15os\"' data-empty='\"true\"'>\n<div class='\"css-1hjaa0k\"'>\n\n\n\n\n<div class='\"css-1avyp1d\"'>\n<div>\n<h3>1. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies\n\n<div>\n<p>Most healthcare professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months or much longer.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Breast milk contains everything baby needs for the first 6 months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby\u2019s changing needs, especially during the first month of life.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called\u00a0colostrum. It\u2019s high in\u00a0protein, low in\u00a0sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It\u2019s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn\u2019s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby\u2019s stomach grows.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>About the only thing that may be lacking from your magical milk supply is\u00a0vitamin D.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Unless you have a very\u00a0high intake\u00a0(and most of us don\u2019t), your breast milk won\u2019t provide enough. Vitamin D drops are usually recommended.\n\n</p><div>\n<h3>2. Breast milk contains important antibodies\n\n<div>\n<p>Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>When you\u2019re exposed to viruses or bacteria, you start producing antibodies that then go into the milk. It\u2019s immunity, baby!\n\n</p><div>\n<p>IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby\u2019s nose, throat, and\u00a0digestive system<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source.\n\n<div>\n<p>Formula doesn\u2019t provide antibody protection for babies.\u00a0Numerous studies<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0show that babies who are not breastfed are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.\n\n<div>\n<h3>3. Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk\n\n<div>\n<p>Exclusive breastfeeding<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source, meaning that the infant receives only breast milk, is particularly beneficial.\n\n<div>\n<p>It may reduce your baby\u2019s risk for many illnesses and diseases, including:\n\n</p><div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Middle ear infections.\u00a0Breastfeeding, particularly exclusively and as long as possible, may protect against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections\u00a0well beyond infancy<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source.\n<li><strong>Respiratory tract infections.\u00a0Breastfeeding can protect against\u00a0multiple<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0respiratory and gastrointestinal acute illnesses.\n<li><strong>Colds and infections.\u00a0Babies exclusively breastfed for 6 months may have a lower risk of getting serious colds and ear or throat infections.\n<li><strong>Gut infections.\u00a0Breastfeeding is linked with a reduction in gut infections.\n<li><strong>Intestinal tissue damage.\u00a0Feeding preterm babies breast milk is linked with a reduction in the incidence of\u00a0necrotizing enterocolitis<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source.\n<li><strong>Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).\u00a0Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of SIDS, especially when\u00a0breastfeeding exclusively.\n<li><strong>Allergic diseases.\u00a0Breastfeeding is linked to a\u00a0reduced risk<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.\n<li><strong>Bowel diseases.\u00a0Babies who are breastfed may be\u00a0less likely<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0to develop Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis.\n<li><strong>Diabetes.\u00a0Breastfeeding is linked to a\u00a0reduced risk<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0of developing type 1 diabetes and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes.\n<li><strong>Childhood leukemia.\u00a0Breastfeeding is linked to a reduction in the risk for\u00a0childhood leukemia<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source.\n\n\n<div>\n<h3>4. Breast milk promotes baby\u2019s healthy weight\n\n<div>\n<p>Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>One study <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0showed that breastfeeding for longer than 4 months had a significant reduction in the chances of a baby developing overweight and obesity.\n\n<div>\n<p>This may be due to the development of different gut bacteria. Breastfed babies have\u00a0higher amounts <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage.\n\n<div>\n<p>Babies fed breast milk also have more\u00a0leptin\u00a0in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a\u00a0key hormone\u00a0for regulating appetite and fat storage.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake. They\u2019re better at eating only until they\u2019ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.\n\n</p><div>\n<h3>5. Breastfeeding may make children smarter\n\n<div>\n<p>Breastfeeding may help baby ace those tests.\u00a0Some studies <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0suggest there may be a difference in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies.\n\n<div>\n<p>This difference may be due to the physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding as well as nutrient content.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Studies <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0indicate that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop behavioral problems have learning difficulties as they grow older.\n\n<div>\n<p>However, the most pronounced effects are seen in preterm babies, who have a higher risk for developmental issues.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>The\u00a0research <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0clearly shows that breastfeeding has\u00a0significant positive effects <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0on babies\u2019 long-term brain development.\n\n\n<div class='\"css-1avyp1d\"'>\n<div>\n<div><a class='\"chartbeat-section\"' name="%5C%22benefits-for-you%5C%22">Breastfeeding benefits for you\n\n<div>\n<h3>6. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight\n\n<div>\n<p>You may have heard this one often. While some women seem to\u00a0gain weight\u00a0during breastfeeding, others seem to effortlessly lose weight.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Breastfeeding does burn\u00a0more calories <span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source, and after 3 months of lactation, you\u2019ll likely experience an increase in fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers. Though the difference isn\u2019t significant.\n\n<div>\n<h3>7. Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract\n\n<div>\n<p>During pregnancy, your uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of your abdomen.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size.\u00a0Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also\u00a0help you bond\u00a0with your new little one.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Studies have also shown that mothers who breastfeed generally have less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.\n\n</p><div>\n<h3>8. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression\n\n<div>\n<p>Postpartum depression\u00a0(PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Women who breastfeed seem less likely to develop postpartum depression, compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed, according to a\u00a02012 study<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source.\n\n<div>\n<p>However, those who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are also more likely to have trouble breastfeeding and do so for a shorter duration.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>If you have any symptoms of PPD, tell your doctor as soon as possible.\n\n</p><div>\n<h3>9. Breastfeeding reduces your disease risk\n\n<div>\n<p>Breastfeeding seems to provide you with\u00a0long-term protection<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\u00a0against cancer and several diseases.\n\n<div>\n<p>The total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Women who breastfeed have a lower risk for:\n\n</p><div>\n<ul>\n<li>high blood pressure\n</li><li>arthritis\n</li><li>high blood fats\n</li><li>heart disease<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\n<li>type 2 diabetes<span class='\"css-gkhufu' icon-hl-trusted-source-after><span class='\"sro\"'>Trusted Source\n\n\n<div>\n<h3>10. Breastfeeding may prevent menstruation\n\n<div>\n<p>Continued breastfeeding also pauses ovulation and menstruation. The suspension of\u00a0menstrual cycles\u00a0may actually be nature\u2019s way of ensuring there\u2019s some time between pregnancies.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>You may consider this change as an extra benefit. While you\u2019re enjoying precious time with your newborn, it\u2019s just one less thing to worry about.\n\n</p><div>\n<h3>11. It saves time and money\n\n<div>\n<p>To top the list, breastfeeding is mostly free, barring expenses for any lactation consulting and breast pumps. By choosing to breastfeed, you won\u2019t have to:\n\n</p><div>\n<ul>\n<li>spend money on formula\n</li><li>calculate how much your baby needs to drink daily\n</li><li>spend time cleaning and sterilizing bottles\n</li><li>mix and warm up bottles in the middle of the night (or day)\n</li><li>figure out ways to warm up bottles while on the go\n\n\n<div>\n<p>Breast milk is always at the right temperature and ready to drink.\n\n\n</p><div class='\"css-1avyp1d\"'>\n<div>\n<div><strong><a class='\"chartbeat-section\"' name="%5C%22takeaway%5C%22">Takeaway\n\n<div>\n<p>The benefits of breastfeeding are so numerous that most health agencies recommend it for everyone for as long as possible, barring medical problems that prevent it.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Breast milk contains antibodies and other elements that protect your baby from illness and chronic disease. It\u2019s the best start you can give, if you\u2019re able.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>Plus, we can\u2019t discount the big benefits to you, for health reasons and convenience.\n\n</p><div>\n<p>No matter what choice you make, your healthcare team can guide you to the right methods and choices. You\u2019ve got this.\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Breastfeeding Tips: Common Breastfeeding Positions It\u2019s a good idea to nurse your baby, if you\u2019re able. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. It has the right amount of nutrients and is easily digested. Share on Pinterest If you\u2019ve been considering not breastfeeding your new baby, you\u2019re probably inundated with information. It\u2019s a personal decision […]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7184"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7186,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7184\/revisions\/7186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></div></div></a></strong></div></div></div></div></li></ul></div></div></h3></div></div></div></h3></div></span></span></li></span></span></li></ul></div></div></div></span></span></p></div></h3></div></div></div></span></span></p></div></div></h3></div></div></div></div></div></div></h3></div></span></span></p></div></div></h3></div></a></div></div></div></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></span></span></p></div></div></span></span></p></div></h3></div></div></div></span></span></p></div></span></span></p></div></div></h3></div></span></span></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></span></span></strong></li></ul></div></div></span></span></p></div></h3></div></span></span></p></div></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></h3></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></h3></div></div></div></div></div></aside></div></div></div></div></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></span></a></picture></span></span></figure></div></div>