Learn how breastfeeding supports immunity, health, and growth for both baby and mother. Discover its lifelong
Dr. Thejaswini
Before my delivery, everybody told me about their experience with breastfeeding. Some loved it, some not so much. I didn't know what to expect. But when I became a mother I didn't imagine how much breastfeeding would affect my daughter and me. I fed her until she was 22 months old, and it was more rewarding than I had thought.
Let me take you through my experience and share some important things I’ve learned along the way.
Breastfeeding is more than just nourishing your baby—it’s a way to connect and help them grow. Not only does it provide the right nutrition, but it also lays the foundation for your baby’s long-term health, starting from the first latch.
In those early months, I worried about every little cough or sneeze my daughter had. What finally calmed me was when my doctor told me I was giving her the antibodies she needed through my milk.
Breast milk is packed with immunoglobulins, especially immunoglobulin A, which forms a protective barrier in your baby’s digestive system. This helps guard against common infections like colds, diarrhoea, and ear infections. It also lowers the risk of chronic conditions like asthma and allergies later in life. Committing to exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months felt like the best way to protect my daughter's health.
Formula just can't do what breast milk does, that is, adapt to your baby’s ever-changing needs. Packed with just the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, breast milk is the perfect food for babies.
As a proud mommy, I can say that my daughter thrived on breast milk and never had major problems with colic, constipation, and diarrhoea. This is mainly because breast milk helps keep your baby’s digestive system strong and healthy. It also helps build a good gut microbiome, which is important for a child's overall health and immunity. A healthy gut helps your baby fight off infections, digest food better, and grow stronger, making breast milk a natural way to support their well-being from the start.
Breastfeeding wasn’t just a boon for my baby; it was a blessing for me too. It supported my recovery after childbirth and brought so many unexpected health benefits - what a pleasant surprise!
After giving birth, I was eager to regain my strength and feel like myself again. Turns out breastfeeding does exactly that. Every feeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which not only helps the uterus contract but also speeds up the healing process.
Soon I started losing the baby weight naturally, without extreme diets or intense workouts. It felt manageable and just right for a busy new mom adjusting to life with a little one. It was a gentle, stress-free way to get back to feeling like myself again.
Fun Fact! On average, breastfeeding burns around 300 to 500 extra calories a day, helping moms shed some of that baby weight. |
It was reassuring to learn about the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding too. It lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and it helps prevent chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Knowing breastfeeding wasn’t just nourishing my baby, but also supporting my own health made the effort that much more worthwhile.
Breastfeeding isn’t always a walk in the park, but I’ve learned that with the right techniques and a bit of support, it can be a lot easier for both you and your baby. Here are some tips that really helped me along the way, and I hope they’ll make your experience a little smoother too.
A good latch is essential for comfortable and effective breastfeeding. For a deep latch, the baby’s mouth should go all the way around the areola.
I followed my lactation consultant’s lead in showing me how to position my baby and latch properly when I started. Thankfully, it really helped prevent soreness and made sure my baby was feeding well.
A good latch is only half the story; finding the right position is just as important. Here are three positions you can try to see which one works best for you and your baby:
| Position | Description |
| Cradle Hold | Keep your baby across your chest, with their head resting in the crook of your arm. I found this classic position perfect for daytime feedings. |
| Football Hold | Support your baby’s head with your hand and tuck them under your arm like a football. This position gave me more control over the latch, especially in the early weeks. |
| Side-Lying Position | Lie down with your baby on their side, facing you. This position is great for feeding when you’re tired or when you have a sleepy baby. |
Burping might be simple, but it’s important for your baby’s comfort. In my experience, a quick burp after each feeding made my babies more content, less cranky, and ready for a great nap. If your baby has a lot of trapped air, hold them gently upright, then gently pat their back. That prevents gas and fussiness.
As a mother, I can confidently say that breastfeeding has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. From boosting my daughter's immune system to supporting her brain development, I know that breastfeeding has given her the best start in life. More than anything, it has created a lasting emotional connection between us that I will always cherish.
FAQs
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother’s breasts. It provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and bonding time for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk is specially designed to meet a baby’s nutritional needs in the early months of life.
Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding a baby only breast milk for the first six months of life, with no other foods, liquids, or supplements (except for vitamins or medications if prescribed by a paediatrician). This practice provides all the necessary nutrients and hydration a baby needs for healthy growth and development during this period.
Hold them upright against your chest or shoulder and pat your baby’s back gently until they burp.
Yes, burping keeps the baby from experiencing discomfort, spit-up, and colic by releasing the trapped air.
Eat nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, lean protein, lots of fruits, vegetables, and water. A balanced diet also helps your milk production and your recovery.
Even if your baby is rooting, sucking their hands, or fussing, they may still be hungry. Trust that you know when to feed and do so.
