Mia's Feed
Nutrition & Diet

Breastfeeding: Promoting Child and Parent Health Despite Challenges

Breastfeeding: Promoting Child and Parent Health Despite Challenges

Share this article

Breastfeeding offers essential health benefits for infants and mothers, but many families face obstacles. This article explores ways to support successful breastfeeding through community, healthcare, and policy efforts.

3 min read

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal choice for infant nutrition and offers numerous health benefits for both children and parents. Scientific studies reveal that exclusively breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, lower infection rates, decrease hospitalizations, and even diminish the likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes later in life. Additionally, breastfeeding provides essential health advantages for mothers, including potential reductions in certain health risks.

However, many new parents face substantial obstacles when attempting to breastfeed. Personally, I experienced firsthand the difficulties of breastfeeding my first child. Exhaustion, nipple pain, swelling, and concerns about adequate nourishment for the baby created a stressful experience. Questions about the process, managing breastfeeding post-return to work, understanding how to use breast pumps, and accessing effective support are common among new parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for up to two years. Nonetheless, data shows that while over 80% of families initiate breastfeeding, only about 19% of infants are still being breastfed at six months, and just 36% at one year. Many parents find it challenging to reach their breastfeeding goals, often due to insufficient support or education, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy.

Motivated by these challenges, I pursued specialized training in breastfeeding and lactation medicine. As a board-certified specialist, I engaged in research to understand parents’ perceptions of breastfeeding success. Our studies, conducted in partnership with organizations supporting Black families and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, highlight that success is less about duration and more about the experience, support systems, and community acceptance.

Supportive environments include access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals, peer groups, and accepting communities. Addressing barriers in healthcare—such as ensuring equitable support, educating providers, and preparing families before childbirth—is crucial. Many breastfeeding issues, like nipple pain or ineffective latch, are addressable with proper training and resources.

Commercial infant formula, a lucrative industry valued at $55 billion, influences feeding choices. Sadly, aggressive marketing practices often mislead families and healthcare providers, sometimes undermining breastfeeding efforts. While formula can be lifesaving when breastfeeding isn’t possible, reliance on it due to societal barriers like limited maternity leave and unsupportive workplaces complicates the picture.

Breastfeeding should be viewed as a team effort that involves family, community, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Practical support measures include skin-to-skin contact, offering the breast on feeding cues, and seeking professional guidance to ensure adequate intake. Genuine understanding and supportive environments are essential for empowering parents and facilitating successful breastfeeding experiences.

In conclusion, promoting breastfeeding requires investments in education, community support, equitable healthcare, and policy changes. Recognizing breastfeeding as a vital component of public health underscores its significance in nurturing healthier generations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-breastfeeding-ideal-child-parent-health.html

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Understanding the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics: Insights from a Dietitian

Learn the key differences between probiotics and prebiotics, how they affect your microbiome, and tips for promoting gut health through diet, according to a dietitian.

Reevaluating Dietary Choices: Glycemic Control Influences Food Preferences More Than Body Weight

Glycemic regulation may significantly influence food preferences more than body weight, impacting future dietary strategies and obesity prevention. New research highlights the role of gut-brain signaling in flavor-nutrient learning.

Impact of Mediterranean-Style Diet During Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Health

Recent studies reveal that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy enhances maternal health and reduces infection risks in infants by positively influencing gut microbiota and immune function.

Low-Fiber Diet Linked to High-Risk Atherosclerotic Plaques in Coronary Arteries

A recent study links low dietary fiber intake with the development of high-risk, unstable plaques in coronary arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Improving diet quality may aid in prevention.