If you’re expecting a baby (or care about someone who is), you might be wondering about breastfeeding. Should you plan to do it? Does it really matter? What if you have questions or need help?

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and our providers at Prowers Medical Center have some important information to share about the benefits of breastfeeding.

1. Breast milk is a super food.

Breast milk is the perfect food for babies. Not only does it contain all the hormones, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins your baby needs to develop and grow, but babies’ bodies better absorb and use those nutrients from breastmilk than from formula. Antibodies to some illnesses are also passed on through breastmilk.

Have Questions?

If you have any additional questions about breastfeeding, please visit with one of our Family Medicine providers. Call 719-336-6767 for appointments or visit prowersmedical.com/services/family-medicine-primary-care

Plus, did you know that breastmilk changes as your baby grows? The milk your body makes in the first few days after delivery is called colostrum. Just a few teaspoons of colostrum a day are all your baby needs to build their immune system and give them a good start. Next comes transitional milk, which provides your baby with more volume and fat for their first growth spurt. After the first month, your mature milk comes in and continues to ensure all your baby’s nutritional needs are met until they’re ready for solid foods.

2. Breastfed babies are healthier.

The list of ways in which breastfed babies are healthier is remarkably long. Here are just a few: Their eyes work better. They have far fewer digestive, lung and ear infections. They have a lower risk of SIDS. As they grow, they’re less likely to develop asthma, diabetes, obesity and some cancers. They also do better on intelligence tests later in life.

3. Breastfeeding mothers benefit, too.

When you breastfeed, your body produces more of a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the “cuddle chemical” because it induces feelings of love, calm and well-being. It helps you bond with your baby. It also helps the uterus return to its normal size and lowers the risk of bleeding.

What’s more, breastfeeding burns calories and helps new moms lose pregnancy weight. In the long run, women who’ve breastfed are also less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

4. It’s affordable and always available.

Baby formula is expensive. And as moms who struggled through the recent formula shortage can attest, it’s scary when formula shelves are empty. Breast milk, on the other hand, is always available. The more you breastfeed, the more breastmilk your body makes.

5. Almost everyone is doing it!

Colorado has one of the highest breastfeeding rates in the country. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, more than 92 percent of Colorado newborns are breastfed, and nearly 70 percent are still breastfeeding at the age of 6 months.

Because of these benefits and more, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. After that, the AAP promotes ongoing breastfeeding as you begin to slowly add in spoon-feeding nutritious foods.

Still, breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Any amount of breastfeeding is good. Choosing to breastfeed in the early days and weeks will help get your baby off to a healthy start. And continuing regular breastfeeding as your baby grows helps them remain healthy and happy.

In certain circumstances, breastfeeding is not the best choice, however. Moms on certain prescription medications, for example, should not breastfeed because the drugs can harm the baby. Mothers who use marijuana should also refrain from breastfeeding. THC in marijuana passes through to the baby, affecting brain development. Babies exposed to TCH through breastfeeding score lower on visual problem-solving and motor coordination, according to studies. As they get older, they’re also more likely to have behavioral problems and decreased attention spans. So be sure to talk to your obstetrics-care provider about whether breastfeeding is best for your baby.