Breastfeeding- What Is Your Why?

By Andrea Jordan, Midwife

They say that doing any major task, without a ‘Why’, immediately makes it that much more difficult to accomplish. Knowing and using your ‘Why’, gives you those extra superpower capabilities, to achieve whatever you have your heart set on; whether it’s getting a new job, setting up a new business, learning to play an instrument, or breastfeeding your baby.

Every year from 1st-7th August, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, and this year’s theme is ‘This Is Our Why’. When you think about the ‘Whys’ of breastfeeding, it’s not hard to see that there’s potentially an abundance of WHY’S to choose from; yet despite this, many women may not choose to breastfeed their baby. So it becomes clear that one’s PERSONAL WHY is the key in the decision to breastfeed and to continue doing so, especially where there have been challenges.

So here are some of the most common ‘whys’ we hear mothers express, regarding their decision to breastfeed, and the real truth supporting their decision:

·       Breastfeeding may help me to lose weight.

·       Breastfeeding may help reduce my risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

·       Breastfeeding gives my baby’s immune system a boost.

·       Breastfeeding my baby gives me extra bonding from the skin to skin contact.

·       Breastfeeding may boost my baby’s brainpower and IQ.

·       I will save some money because breastfeeding will cost me less than formula feeding.

Breastfeeding may help me to lose weight:

Breastfeeding may make it easier for you to lose the weight you gained in your pregnancy, as it burns calories which obviously helps with weight loss; but the truth is that not everyone loses weight from breastfeeding, and we’re not entirely sure why. Breastfeeding does however reduce obesity risks for the baby.

Breastfeeding may help reduce my risk of breast or ovarian cancer:

According to Cancer Research Society (2022), Cancer rates are increasing in countries around the world, with 1 in 2 persons facing a diagnosis. Mothers are sometimes making a decision to breastfeed based on the information around how they may reduce their cancer rates, especially where it runs in the family. Breast, Ovarian and endometrial cancer are 3 diseases that evidence has shown are reduced in breastfeeding mothers (CDC 2019).

Breastfeeding gives my baby’s immune system a boost:

Within breast milk, scientists have found an array of disease fighting properties that lower your baby’s risk of certain diseases and conditions. To mention a few: diarrhoea and vomiting, preterm necrotising enterocolitis, respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma, eczema, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and childhood obesity.

Breastfeeding my baby gives me extra bonding due to the skin to skin contact.

Breastfeeding provides a special and unique way to feel connected to your baby. It very clearly increases both physical and emotional bonding by the release of the hormone-oxytocin’ often known as the hormone of love. Some even believe that the bonding from breastfeeding may help reduce social and behavioural problems in children and adults.

Breastfeeding may boost my baby’s brainpower and IQ

Studies suggest breastfeeding has a positive long term effect on brain and behavioural development; and it is positively associated with IQ performance in children and adolescence. Although there are no studies confirming that any particular breastfed baby is smarter than any particular formula fed baby, studies do however, show that on average, more breastfed participants had high IQ scores than non-breastfed ones.

I will save some money because breastfeeding will cost me less than formula feeding

Breastfeeding is low cost in comparison. It may have some initial costs like nursing bra’s, nipple cream, shields or pumps, but the cost of formula can be up to $10 a day depending on the brand, type and amount your baby drinks; and that’s not including bottles and other paraphernalia, so breastfeeding is more affordable long term.

Knowing your WHY is the key to breastfeeding success and sharing that with others solidifies your commitment. So, if someone asks, “What is your why?”                                                                         What will you say?

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Bonita Jordan is a registered Midwife, Breastfeeding Specialist, and co-founder of two charities: The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation and Better Birthing in Bim.