We answer some of your most-common questions about breastfeeding.

No doubt, you’ve heard many opinions about breastfeeding through the years, but how is breastfeeding actually beneficial for mom and baby? Here are a few of the questions we hear most frequently from new moms when it comes to breastfeeding. 

Why is Breastfeeding Important?

Your breast milk is truly special because it contains the perfect amount of minerals, sugar, protein and water that a baby needs for growth and development. It also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and other fatty acids that researchers believe are important for your baby’s brain and eyes as they develop.

How Long Should I Breastfeed?

Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. However, even if you are only able to breastfeed for a short period of time, you will provide healthy benefits to your baby.

What Are The Benefits of Breastfeeding?

The CDC states that infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of several health issues including:

• Asthma
• Obesity
• Type 1 diabetes
• Ear infections
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting) 

While mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure

When Will My Milk Come In?

Milk production begins in the second trimester of pregnancy. Your body begins making colostrum, a special milk that’s full of essential nutrients and is easy for newborns to digest. Your milk supply will increase about 30 to 40 hours after you’ve delivered your placenta. By then, the change in your hormones has signaled to your body that it’s time to feed your baby. 

Breastfeeding Benefits Recap

Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns know that you may have questions and concerns, and we’re here to help. We deliver babies at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, which offers breastfeeding classes to help moms-to-be prepare. La Leche League is also a good resource.

Birth Obstetrics