August is National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month!
If you are a new parent you probably know how empowering, yet frustrating, breastfeeding can be at times. Although not every parent is able or chooses to breastfeed, it is one of many wonderful ways to connect to your newborn.
Before we dive into the article and list some benefits of breastfeeding, we want to make it clear that we stand with both sides. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, we have a radical acceptance for all parents!
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Below are 5 benefits of breastfeeding:
1. Breastmilk provides nutrition for babies.
2. Breastfeeding reduces risk of many illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, colds and infections and asthma.. just to name a few!
3. Breast milk helps the baby gain a healthy weight.
4. Breastfeeding helps makes the baby feel secure through skin to skin touching and is a great bonding moment.
5. Research is still being conducted on this, but the fatty acids in breast milk are rumored to be the brain boosters.
Detrimental to posture + breastfeeding
We spoke to our founder at PRESS, Rachel Beider, about breastfeeding. Rachel is a new mom and has firsthand experience when it comes to breastfeeding. She made the point that breastfeeding can cause lots of back pain and is detrimental to one's posture.
Below are links to a few supportive pillows that will make breastfeeding a little more comfortable and helpful on the back.
My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow
Another huge helpful tip Rachel mentioned to making breastfeeding a little more seamless is wearing comfortable, supportive bras. A bra lacking support can cause major back pain and further increase discomfort. Using both supportive bras and nursing pillows can help relieve pain that comes with breastfeeding.
Radical acceptance - fed is best!
If you choose to breastfeed or not, a fed and healthy baby is obviously the most important! If you are a new parent and are having trouble with breastfeeding don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself a break, you are doing a lot already! As long as your baby is happy and healthy you are doing just fine!
Did you know that PRESS offers post-natal massage sessions? New moms can book a regular massage and let us know they recently gave birth for a personalized session.