Enhancing Breastfeeding Journeys with Holistic Care

August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and promoting the vital practice of breastfeeding. As a yoga studio focused on maternal and children’s wellness, Yogamazia understands the profound impact breastfeeding has on both parents and their babies. This month, we celebrate the journey of breastfeeding and highlight the importance of a holistic care team in supporting families.

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both parent and child. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. It provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a unique bond between parent and baby. For birthing persons, breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum depression, aids in quicker postpartum recovery, and lowers the risk of certain cancers .

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the immediate health of the baby but also has long-term positive effects. Some of key benefits as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:

• Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients required for a baby’s growth and development. It includes antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria, lowering their risk of infections and illnesses.
• The act of breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact, enhancing the emotional connection between parent and baby. This bond is crucial for the baby’s emotional and psychological development.
• Breastfeeding persons have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. It also helps in postpartum weight loss and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Breastfeeding is cost-effective as it reduces the need for purchasing formula, bottles, and other feeding supplies. It also has a lower environmental footprint compared to formula feeding, which involves production, packaging, and transportation.

Challenges of Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding has many benefits, it is not without its challenges. Many breastfeeding families face difficulties that can make the journey stressful and overwhelming. Some common challenges include:

• Problems with latching – difficulty in getting the baby to latch properly can lead to pain and insufficient milk transfer. This can be frustrating and discouraging for new parents.
• Milk supply issues – concerns about having too little or too much milk are common. Nursing parents may worry about whether their baby is getting enough nutrition.
• Sore nipples and breast engorgement – physical discomforts can make breastfeeding painful and challenging, especially in the early days.
• Balancing a work schedule while breastfeeding – for working parents, balancing breastfeeding with job responsibilities can be difficult. Pumping and storing milk requires time and a supportive work environment.
• Lack of support – without proper support from family, healthcare providers, or community resources, mothers may feel isolated and overwhelmed.

Families can read more on the challenges and obtain support and resources from WIC Breastfeeding Support.

The Expertise of Lactation Educators and Consultants

Lactation educators and consultants, such as those certified through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE), are specialized professionals who provide expert advice and support for breastfeeding families. They are trained to address a wide range of breastfeeding challenges, from latching difficulties to milk supply concerns and their expertise ensures that parents receive accurate, evidence-based information and personalized support.

Studies continue to demonstrate that lactation consultant services help increase the duration of breastfeeding by as much as six months whether through breastfeeding interventions via pre- and post-natal support or weekly telephone support. (Fan et al. 2023; Patel et al. 2016). These underscore the importance of having access to skilled lactation professionals.

The Role of Postpartum Doulas

Postpartum doulas play a pivotal role in supporting new mothers during the challenging postpartum period. They provide physical, emotional, and informational support, helping mothers navigate the early days of motherhood with confidence. This support is crucial in establishing successful breastfeeding routines. According to DONA International, one of the leaders in evidence-based doula training, postpartum doulas offer guidance on breastfeeding techniques, help troubleshoot common issues, and provide reassurance and encouragement .

At Yogamazia, our postpartum doulas are trained to offer compassionate care tailored to each parent’s unique needs. We believe that having a supportive presence during this critical time can make a significant difference in a mother’s breastfeeding journey and overall well-being.

Other Roles in the Journey of Supporting Lactating Persons

Beyond postpartum doulas and lactation consultants, several other roles are crucial in supporting breastfeeding families including:

• Pediatricians who monitor the baby’s growth and health, offering advice on feeding practices and addressing any concerns related to breastfeeding.
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists, healthcare providers who support overall reproductive health and address any postpartum complications that might affect breastfeeding.
• Nutritionists and Dietitians who can help birthing persons maintain a balanced diet to support milk production and overall health.
• Mental Health Professionals, including clinical psychologists, counselors, and therapists who provide emotional support to families, helping them cope with the stress and emotional challenges of breastfeeding and parenthood.

A supportive network of family and friends can also offer practical help, encouragement, and emotional support, making the breastfeeding journey smoother for families.

Integrating a Holistic Care Team

By integrating the services of a holistic care team and comprehensive support, we can address the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of breastfeeding. This collaborative approach ensures that parents receive well-rounded care, fostering a positive breastfeeding experience and promoting long-term health for both caregiver and child. 

As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we honor the incredible journey of breastfeeding and the dedication of all parents who embrace this beautiful practice. 

Understanding that there are also still barriers to breastfeeding in the United States including factors such as having a support system, access to healthcare, employment and childcare (Office of the Surgeon General, 2011), holistic care teams can work together to create a nurturing environment where birthing parents can feel empowered and supported. 

At Yogamazia, we advocate for a holistic approach to maternal and child wellness. From prenatal yoga classes that prepare the body for childbirth and breastfeeding, to postpartum support that helps parents and caregivers adjust to their new roles, we are committed to supporting families every step of the way and aim to make the breastfeeding journey a rewarding and successful experience for all.

For more information on our services and how we can support your postpartum journey, book a consult to speak with a member of our team and let’s help you get started with confidence and support!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/site.html

DONA International. (2024). What is a Postpartum Doula? Retrieved from https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/benefits-of-a-doula/

Fan WQ, Chan C, Paterson S. (2023). Weekly Proactive Telephone Breastfeeding Standard Care by Lactation Consultants in the First Month Postpartum Prolongs Breastfeeding for Up to 6 Months. Nutrients,15(9): 2075.

Office of the Surgeon General (US). (2011). Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52688/

Patel S & Patel S (2015). The Effectiveness of Lactation Consultants and Lactation Counselors on Breastfeeding Outcomes. Journal of Human Lactation, 32(3):530-41.

U.S. Breastfeeding Committee. (2024). National Breastfeeding Month. Retrieved from https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html

U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC Breastfeeding Support. (2024). Common Breastfeeding Challenges. Retrieved from https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/common-breastfeeding-challenges

World Health Organization. (2024). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding