The Beautiful Bond of Breastfeeding: What Every Mom Should Know

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nurturing ways to care for your baby. Beyond providing nutrition, it creates a deep bond between mother and child while offering health benefits for both. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or you’re a seasoned mom looking for encouragement, here are some important things to know about breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For Baby:

• Perfect Nutrition: Breast milk contains the ideal balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals for your baby’s growth. 1
  
• Immunity Boost: Antibodies in breast milk help protect against infections and illnesses. 2
  
• Easier Digestion: Babies often tolerate breast milk better than formula. 2
  
• Developmental Support: Research suggests breastfed babies may have improved brain development. 3
  
  

For Mom:4

• Faster Recovery: Breastfeeding helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
• Calorie Burning: Nursing uses extra calories, which may support postpartum weight loss.
• Reduced Risks: Long-term, breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers. 
• Bonding: The closeness and skin-to-skin contact nurture emotional connection.
  
  
  

Tips for a Good Start

1. Nurse Early & Often: Try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth. Frequent nursing helps establish milk supply. 4
   
2. Get Comfortable: Find a position that works for you and your baby (cradle hold, football hold, side-lying, etc.) 4
   
3. Watch for Hunger Cues: Look for rooting, sucking motions, or hand-to-mouth movements — don’t wait for crying. 4
   
4. Ensure a Good Latch: A deep latch prevents soreness and helps your baby get enough milk. 4
   
5. Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Your body needs extra fluids and healthy foods to keep up with milk production. 5
   
   

Common Challenges (and Encouragement!)

• Soreness: This is common in the early days. Adjusting the latch or using lanolin cream can help.6
• Low Supply: Frequent nursing, skin-to-skin contact, and consulting a lactation specialist can support supply. 7
• Engorgement/Clogged Ducts: Warm compresses, gentle massage, and regular feeding help ease discomfort. 8 9
  
  

When to Ask for Help

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, your baby isn’t gaining weight, or you’re unsure about your milk supply, reach out. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Every mom’s journey is different. Some breastfeed for years, some for weeks, and some combine nursing with formula. What matters most is that your baby is loved, fed, and thriving. Give yourself grace, and celebrate the small victories each day.

At Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we’re here to support you. Whether you need practical resources, classes, or someone to listen, you’re not alone in your motherhood journey.

Want more support? Contact us today to learn about our parenting classes, baby supplies, and breastfeeding education.

1 Breastfeeding Fast Facts. (2025, March 20). Infant and Toddler Nutrition. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/index.html 

2 Noble, D. (2024, April 17). Feeding your baby: Breast milk or formula? Mayo Clinic Press. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/feeding-your-baby-breast-milk-or-formula/ 

3 Luby, J. L., Belden, A. C., Whalen, D., Harms, M. P., & Barch, D. M. (2016). Breastfeeding and Childhood IQ: The Mediating Role of Gray Matter Volume. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 55(5), 367–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2016.02.009

4 Professional, C. C. M. (2025, May 15). Breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5182-breastfeeding 

5 Nursing your baby — what you eat and drink matters. (n.d.). https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/breastfeeding-and-formula/nursing-your-baby-what-you-eat-and-drink-matters 

6 La Leche League International. (2023, April 17). Breastfeeding with Sore Nipples - La Leche League International. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/breastfeeding-sore-nipples/ 

7  Low milk supply. (2025, June 2). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/galactagogues-low-milk-supply 

8 Breast engorgement. (2025, August 20). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/breast-engorgement 

9 Clogged milk duct. (2025, June 2). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24239-clogged-milk-duct