Breast milk is a great source of nutrition for your baby and has benefits for mom too. Every mother’s experience with breastfeeding is different and Dr. Simone Majetich, a family physician with Lake Health Physician Group SOM Center Primary Care, knows moms need support and encouragement to reach their breastfeeding goals.
Is breast milk better for baby?
Breast milk has hundreds more ingredients than formula that help a baby grow and protect them from allergies and illness. Mom's milk also changes over time to meet the baby's needs. The protein in breast milk is much easier to digest than the protein found in formula, making it less likely for your baby to have digestive problems such as gassiness, rashes and colic. Breastfed babies are healthier and get sick less often, have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and have a lower risk of getting childhood cancer or developing diabetes or high blood pressure later in life.
Benefits for mom
Breastfeeding is also good for moms. Every time you nurse, your body produces prolactin, which is a hormone that helps you relax and helps your uterus to contract to its normal size more quickly after delivery. Milk production burns up to 600 calories per day, making it easier for you to lose some of that baby weight. Breastfeeding can also help to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer. It doesn't require preparation and bottles and can be more affordable than formula.
Your physician is there to help
Moms need support and encouragement to reach their breastfeeding goals. Whether you're breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding, you can work closely with your physician to determine what resources you need. We can help address concerns involving supply, latching, feeding cues and schedules, and connect you with other specialists such as lactation consultants. Breastfeeding can be challenging, but it's worth it. Just know that the more you nurse, the more breast milk you will make.
About the author
Dr. Simone Majetich earned her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center. Her special medical interests include preventive care, family medicine, integrative medicine and pediatrics. New patients are welcome at her office, Lake Health Physician Group SOM Primary Care, located in Willoughby.
