Liquid Gold: Unraveling the Numerous Benefits of Breast Milk By Ida Hanson, IBCLC Candidate
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies. It is perfectly composed of living cells, hormones, and antibodies that help build a strong immune system, and protect babies from illness. Breast milk also promotes healthy infant weight gain and is easily digestible by a baby’s immature gut. The composition of breast milk changes daily, weekly and monthly to meet each age and stage of a growing baby’s needs. Carbohydrates will support a healthy balance of bacteria in a baby’s stomach, proteins will protect a baby from infection, and fats will promote a baby’s brain and nervous system development.
Additionally, research shows that breastfed babies have lower risk of asthma, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, ear infections, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting, respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and Type 2 diabetes later in life. 1
Breastfeeding not only helps to protect babies, it also helps to protect the breastfeeding parent’s health and well-being, to include their mental health. Research shows that a breastfeeding parent has a lower risk of developing postpartum depression, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and every perspective is unique. To learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, or to explore what a breastfeeding journey may look like for you and your baby, please reach out to The Breastfeeding Center at 202.293.5182 for support, or you can book an appointment immediately here.
“Making the Decision to Breastfeed.” Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, February 22, 2021, womenshealth.gov. Accessed 22 February 2024.
Ida Hanson IBCLC Candidate/Clinical Lactation Intern
Ida is a military spouse who understands the importance of true community support when raising a family. After nursing school Ida worked with the pediatric special needs population before multiple moves around the world. In 2020 she reconnected with the maternal-child community and became a Certified Lactation Counselor. She worked as a trusted CLC at WIC until the Air Force moved she and her family to the Northern Virginia area. At the Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington Ida continues her path to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant under the mentorship of the highly skilled IBCLCs on staff. She is honored to be an IBCLC candidate and to provide practical, evidence-based lactation care to families during their breastfeeding journey.