Select Region
Follow us!


Take Breastfeeding Off the Pedestal

Take Breastfeeding Off the Pedestal


Breastfeeding is not special; it is normal. This natural behavior of all mammals has health benefits for mother and child, but is not without challenges. Let's put it in perspective.

With all the discussions about “breast is best,” we’d like to present a different perspective.

Breastfeeding is not special; it is normal. Human beings are mammals and mammals, after pregnancy, lactate. There is nothing special about it, it’s just natural.

Realizing that breastfeeding is normal and not special helps put things in perspective. It is true that breastfed babies have health benefits over formula fed babies. It is formula feeding that puts babies at increased risk of certain infections and illnesses.

Breast milk is sometimes called “Baby’s First Immunization.” However, breast milk is not a magical potion and cannot protect babies from every ailment that comes along. Do not forego modern medicine because your baby is breastfeeding. Breast milk cannot prevent polio, tetanus, measles or other vaccine preventable illnesses.

There is always so much focus on the health of babies and breastfeeding, but what about moms? After pregnancy, a woman’s body is EXPECTED to lactate. Again, this is natural for all mammals and is part of the physiologic process that helps reset the female body after giving birth. In a sense, if you turn off lactation, you are not allowing the body to “reset” and you are putting it at risk. Women who do not lactate are at increased risk of obesity, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.



While breastfeeding is always a personal choice, it is important for women and their doctors to fully appreciate the health implications of skipping lactation and breastfeeding after pregnancy.

So, take breast milk and lactation off the pedestal and give them the support they deserve. They are normal and expected parts of a healthy life.

 

Learn More About Breastfeeding and Baby Health

Long Island Event for Expecting Parents: June 7 Expo in Great Neck
 

Allied Breastfeeding offers breastfeeding support and services to all pregnant and breastfeeding families, whether allied patients or not

Back to work tips for nursing moms

Lactation suites newly added to 3 NYC area airports help make nursing moms' lives a little easier

More Baby Articles:

Latest News:

Family Activities:

Have a Laugh:

Author:

Allied Physicians Group (alliedphysiciansgroup.com) is a partnership of more than 100 dedicated, caring pediatricians at the top of their field, with around 500 highly trained support staff. Practices are located throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley.

See More

Featured Listings:

Kate Tempesta's Urban Golf Academy

Kate Tempesta's Urban Golf Academy

Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy (UGA) brings golf to children as young as 3 years old! Check out their weekly programs in on the Upper East Side or...

ProHEALTH Dental

ProHEALTH Dental

ProHEALTH Dental was founded in 2016 in Lake Success to break down the historical barrier between medicine and dentistry. Our goal is to improve oral ...

Long Island Nets Basketball Games

Long Island Nets Basketball Games

Uniondale , NY Professional basketball is back on Long Island! The Long Island Nets are the official NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets playing from Novembe...

Kids Country Day Camp

Kids Country Day Camp

Mount Sinai, NY Kids Country Day Camp is a sports, adventure, and recreational day camp for children 3 - 12 years of age. We are located on 10 beautiful acres in the ...