BREASTFEEDING

As a new or expecting mother, breastfeeding may be on the top of your mind.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months of life and continuing for up to two years old or longer with nutritious solid foods.

It’s known that breastfeeding can be extremely beneficial to a baby, but as it turns out, it’s extremely beneficial to the mom, as well, and in many ways.

If you’re a new mother or an expecting mom-to-be, you don’t need another news article telling you about all the benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk.

Past studies have shown that women who go through menopause before the age of 45 have an increased risk of early death, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

A study in The Lancet medical publication looked at 120 babies born to women who tested positive and were breastfed and handled with surgical masks and other virus containment procedures. The change came after it was learned that an estimated 30% of pregnant moms in New York tested positive for the novel coronavirus, most without any symptoms at all. She was quick to note; however, “COVID-19 positive mothers whose babies then also tested positive was only like 2% to 5% of the babies. University Hospital is embracing the practice for many reasons and has removed roadblocks that would separate newborns from their mothers. She noted that the documented benefits of breast milk have even created a new trend.