Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby because it's packed with benefits, sometimes unsuspected. Nutritional benefits, immune system strengthening, cognitive development, emotional well-being: there's no doubt about it, nature is well made!
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant: it is best suited to their specific needs. When using infant formula, when the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is important to scrupulously follow the instructions for preparation and use and to follow the advice of the medical profession.
The benefits of breast milk for infants
Let's start with some very good news: aside from a few rare contraindications, all women canbreastfeed . And that's a good thing, because breast milk has everything you need to help your baby get a good start in life .
Optimal nutritional intake
We often imagine that our breast milk is always the same... If it varies depending on what you eat, you should also know that it changes during the day, depending on the time of feeding and over time! This is why we usually say that breast milk provides optimal nutrition : in fact, it has the ability to adapt almost in real time to the needs of little ones 1 . Optimal also because it is capable of covering all the needs of babies up to 6 months : mineral salts, trace elements, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins... your milk has everything you need on the shelf! And what's more, it promotes good digestion. On the other hand, there aresome foods to avoid for optimal breastfeeding and the comfort of your baby.
Strengthening the immune system
It's not a myth, breast milk contains antibodies that will play a key role in strengthening your child's immune system. Useful for immunity, breast milk also plays a protective role against asthma, diabetes 2 , and allergies. And it even reduces the risk of obesity during childhood or adolescence 3 .
An aid to cognitive development
According to a study by Inserm (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), the role of breast milk in a child's cognitive development, particularly in language, should not be underestimated. According to the researchers, this can be explained by the essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) contained in breast milk, which are essential for brain development.
Strengthening a strong bond between the child and his mother
And then, there's also a bit of magic in breastfeeding! When a baby feeds at the breast, under the amazed eyes of his mother, something truly special happens. This unique moment between a mother and her child, this unique body-to-body experience, is more than a bond that is formed, it's a complicity that is born and grows. As if with each feeding, the mother learns to know her baby better and vice versa.
The benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
While all eyes are on the baby after birth, the power of breast milk on the mother should not be underestimated.
Postpartum recovery
Although breastfeeding can be tiring, it also helps you recover better after pregnancy. How can this paradox be explained? Quite simply, because our bodies are well-designed! Thanks to the uterine contractions caused by breastfeeding, the uterus will gently fall back into place.
Reduction in the risk of certain diseases
We don't always think about the long-term benefits of breastfeeding... and yet they exist for both the baby and the mother. Women who breastfeed see their risk of breast and ovarian cancer decrease before menopause 4 . The same goes for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even endometriosis.
Emotional well-being
When everything goes well, breastfeeding also creates a shared sense of well-being . The mother is on cloud nine and the baby is beaming with joy. After breastfeeding, there is often a sense of fullness in the air! So, take advantage of these moments away from time to fill up on serenity and positive energy .
Common breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them:
Pain and engorgement
In theory, breastfeeding is painless... but let's be honest, sometimes it hurts. In most cases, it's simply due to poor latching position. To avoid this kind of discomfort, always make sure your baby can open their mouth wide and their chin is naturally against the breast. They should be facing you, their stomach against you, and well supported. To know if your baby is well positioned, observe their ear, shoulder, and hip: they should be perfectly aligned.
Finally, his head must be slightly tilted back to swallow properly 6 . If you suffer from engorgement and breastfeeding is not enough to calm the pain, do not hesitate to use a breast pump: the aim is to encourage flow to provide occasional relief. You can also express your milk manually, use compresses, or cabbage leaves. Despite this advice, if the pain persists, please consult a midwife or a lactation consultant
Baby Sucking Problems
As is often the case, the most important thing is to trust yourself and your baby, for whom the sucking reflex is innate. In fact, in the first two hours after birth, your baby will only have one thing on their mind: sucking!
Sore breasts and cracks
We've told you this before, but breastfeeding isn't meant to cause you pain. If, despite all your precautions, cracks, chapped skin, or cuts appear on a nipple, try breastfeeding your child in a different position, wash your hands thoroughly before each feeding, and apply a little of your own milk to the sore nipple to promote healing.
Breast inflammation (mastitis)
With or without infection, mastitis is a breast inflammation that shouldn't be taken lightly. Although it's rare, it's important to know the symptoms to better treat it. If you have a high fever with chills, aches, pain in one breast, and redness, then check your baby's latch and sucking technique.
Get as much rest as possible and continue breastfeeding on the affected breast if possible, using cold compresses on the painful area for relief. If you do not see any improvement after 24 hours, consult your doctor.
Insufficient milk production
Sometimes a mother experiences a lack of milk. This insufficiency is often the result of ineffective or insufficient breastfeeding. In fact, the more efficiently your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. Conversely, the less stimulated you are, the more lactation will tend to slow down. If you notice that you are producing less milk, breastfeed your baby more often. The more efficiently he nurses, the more you will produce the milk he needs. This is why it is essential to keep your baby close to you and respond to all his breastfeeding requests.
Mom's fatigue and stress
It's true, breastfeeding is demanding and you'll definitely experience some slumps from time to time. To prevent fatigue from taking over, rest whenever possible. It sounds silly, but... you'll appreciate all these moments of respite that will gradually allow you to regain your energy. To take a breather, you can also pump and store your milk: this will allow your partner or the person of your choice to bottle-feed (and a great helping hand!)
Recommendations and practical advice:
Breastfeeding Positions and Techniques
To ensure breastfeeding goes smoothly, keep in mind that your position and that of your child are key . For your part, always make sure you are comfortably installed, perhaps using a nursing pillow . It helps you get settled! For your baby, he or she must also be comfortable while being held by you to easily reach your breast. Whether in a rocking chair, in a "reverse Madonna" or in a reclined position (bouncer), lying down or "rugby ball", the ideal position is the one that allows you both to be comfortable 8. Finally, favor a calm and relaxed atmosphere to rhyme breastfeeding baby and serenity.
Breastfeeding accessories
Nursing pillows, pads, shells, silicone nipple shields, nursing clothing, breast pumps, bottles : don't hesitate to equip yourself according to your needs and desires. There are a whole host of childcare accessories that can help make breastfeeding easier and more fun!
Resources and Support
When you're breastfeeding, it's good to be surrounded by support! By your loved ones, of course, but not only! There's bound to be a breastfeeding support organization or a group of mothers near you who are ready to enlighten you.
Find out more in
- your maternity
- the PMI center near you
- https://www.ameli.fr/haute-savoie/assure/sante/themes/alimentation-0-3-ans/premiers-mois-lait-unique
- https://www.inserm.fr/actualite/alimentation-bon-pour-cerveau/#:~:text=Les%20r%C3%A9sultats%20show%20que%2C%20en, l'%C3%A2ge%20de%20trois%20ans.
- https://www.1000-premiers-jours.fr/fr/les-bienfaits-de-lalimentation
- https://sante-pratique-paris.fr/sante-publique-dossier/lallais-maternel/
- https://www.1000-premiers-jours.fr/fr/les-bienfaits-de-lalimentation
- The Breastfeeding Guide, Public Health France
- The Breastfeeding Guide, Public Health France
- The Breastfeeding Guide, Public Health France
