Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the newborn and the mother. A mother’s breast milk evolves as the baby grows, continually adapting to meet the infant’s nutritional needs. Breast milk is widely recognized as the optimal source of nourishment for infants during the first six months to one year of life.
Put simply, lactogenesis is the process of a woman’s body preparing to produce breast milk. After the delivery of the baby and placenta, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, allowing the hormone prolactin to dominate, which triggers milk production. This event, often referred to as “the milk coming in,” typically occurs between postpartum days two and four.
Breast milk is a unique, individualized biofluid that contains a rich variety of bioactive, cellular and nutritional components. Approximately 80% of human milk is water, while the remaining 20% consists of macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins and minerals), micronutrients (vitamins, which vary based on the maternal diet), and bioactive agents like immunoglobulins that provide immunity to the infant. The composition of breast milk is influenced by several factors, including gestational age at the time of birth, time of day, stage of lactogenesis, and maternal environmental influences such as diet and lifestyle. Among its components, the lipid (fat) content shows the most variability.
The first form of breast milk produced is called colostrum. Colostrum is rich in proteins and immunoglobulins, offering substantial passive immunity to the newborn. It has a higher caloric content from fats and carbohydrates compared to mature milk. Often referred to as “liquid gold,” colostrum is yellow in color and has a creamier consistency than the thinner mature breast milk. By around two weeks postpartum, breast milk transitions fully to mature milk.
Breastfeeding has many documented health benefits for both mother and child. For infants, breastfeeding significantly lowers rates of morbidity and mortality and offers protection against gastroenteritis, respiratory diseases, asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. Studies have shown that breastfed infants have half the risk of developing dental caries and malocclusions (misalignment of teeth) compared to their non-breastfed peers.
Furthermore, breastfed children experience lower rates of otitis media, asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, childhood leukemias, lymphomas, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
For mothers, breastfeeding offers additional health advantages. While not a completely reliable form of contraception, breastfeeding often leads to lactational amenorrhea, naturally spacing pregnancies and giving the woman’s body time to heal between births. Initiating breastfeeding immediately after delivery stimulates oxytocin secretion, which promotes uterine involution (post-birth contractions) and decreases postpartum blood loss, helping prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Breastfeeding also promotes maternal postpartum weight loss. In the long term, women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing reproductive organ cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, breastfeeding is cost-free, whereas formula feeding can represent a significant financial burden for families.
Amanda Judge holds a dual doctoral degree in midwifery and women’s health. She is an accomplished midwife with a strong background in labor and delivery. She worked as a registered nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center where her dedication and expertise led to her recruitment to Maternal Resources, a thriving boutique style practice with offices in Hackensack, Jersey City, Hoboken, Howell and New York City.
Despite its many benefits, breastfeeding may not be the right choice for everyone. Variations in newborn or maternal anatomy can make latching difficult. Certain medications taken by the mother may pass through breast milk or inhibit milk production, leading to breastfeeding contraindications. Additionally, some neonatal conditions or allergies may necessitate a specialized maternal diet or complete avoidance of breastfeeding. Complications arising during delivery or postpartum recovery can also create barriers to breastfeeding. Frequent feeding sessions, a hallmark of breastfeeding, can be physically and mentally exhausting for mothers, especially those struggling with low milk supply. Mothers may face issues such as cracked nipples, clogged ducts or mastitis (breast infection), which can hinder breastfeeding. In such cases, seeking support from OB-GYN providers, lactation consultants or breastfeeding specialists is encouraged.
Fortunately, a wide variety of infant formulas are available for families who choose not to breastfeed or for whom breastfeeding is not an option. Cow’s milk–based formulas are typically recommended unless the newborn has an allergy. These formulas are carefully designed to mimic the nutrient profile and caloric content of human breast milk.
Ultimately, whether a mother chooses to breastfeed or formula-feed her child, she should feel fully supported and confident in her decision.
