Creating life is unique to women, and the ability to produce breastmilk is a superpower with many health benefits for baby and mother. Bright Start nurse home visitors support expectant and new mothers with understanding the value of breastfeeding.
Carol Phillips, RN, Bright Start nurse home visitor for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) said, “Breastfeeding is important to me as an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). For the past 12 years, I have been educating and assisting mothers and their infants to successfully breastfeed.”
Breastmilk is perfect nutrition for babies. While modern chemists have used it as a model for infant formula, they are unable to duplicate it. Cow milk has also been used as a source for developing formula, but there are clear differences between cow milk and human milk. Human milk has more lactose for brain development and a higher content of whey protein, which is easier for a baby to digest. With over 250 essential ingredients in breastmilk, the benefits are astonishing.
Benefits of Breastfeeding:
- Breastmilk changes with the age of the baby.
- Breastmilk is over 80% water and eliminates the need for water supplementation.
- No matter the mother’s nutrition, breastmilk is still perfect for the baby.
- Breastfeeding provides a decreased chance of braces later in life.
- Breastfeeding decreases stress in the infant by decreasing cortisol levels.
- Breastmilk contains live stem cells.
In addition to providing the baby with nutrition and a better immune system, breastfeeding supports bonding and results in lower health care costs. Breastmilk helps to stimulate the baby’s immune system, signal the mother’s body to make more, and promote gastro-maturation. Additionally, these vital proteins assist with growth, insulin, feeling full, and many other vital areas. Babies that are breastfed become less sick compared to babies that are not.
“Education on the benefits is important so mothers know the powerful impact breastfeeding their children can have on their lives, even as adults,” Phillips added.
The Bright Start program provides pregnancy and parenting support and education to eligible first-time mothers in South Dakota. Anyone can start the Bright Start enrollment process by completing the referral form for themself, a friend, or a family member.
