Women's Health Matters Network: Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that will help your baby stay healthy and avoid illnesses and other conditions, including respiratory, ear and gastrointestinal infections; type 1 diabetes; leukemia and other cancers; meningitis; sudden infant death syndrome; rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis; asthma and allergies. It contains all of the nutrients your baby needs and it changes as your baby grows. It's free and, once you are breastfeeding successfully, it is always available.

Breastfeeding is also good for you. It can help you relax and promotes bonding between you and your child. It can dramatically reduce your risk of breast cancer later in life. Studies also show that breastfeeding lowers a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

So why don't more women breastfeed?

The answer is that although breastfeeding is a natural process, initially it may be difficult to learn. It may take several weeks for you and your baby to be able to breastfeed 'naturally' and easily. Your nipples may become sore or the baby may have difficulty latching on properly. Because many changes are taking place in your life at this time, it may be difficult for you to find the time and the patience to persevere through early breastfeeding problems.

There are several things that can help you breastfeed successfully. One of the most important is to find supportive, knowledgeable people who can help you and your baby learn to breastfeed and who will be there if you have problems. Most birthing centres have nurses and breastfeeding consultants.

Make sure you know where to call if you have problems after you leave the hospital. If you gave birth under the care of a midwife, she may also be able to help you begin breastfeeding and support you if you have difficulties. It will be easier for you to breastfeed if you have a supportive partner or other support people to help you take care of your home or your other children.

To help you breastfeed successfully, you may also want to learn as much as you can in advance. Ask your midwife, doctor or the instructors in your prenatal class if there are breastfeeding workshops available in your area. You can also use the links below to learn more about breastfeeding. For more information, check out the books and websites listed in our Health A-Z section.

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