By Danielle Seaman, certified lactation consultant at CHOC, now Rady Children’s Health
Nourishing babies and building bonds
Breastfeeding is not only a sustainable way to nourish a baby but can also strengthen the bond between parent and child while providing optimal nutrition.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding up to two years or longer if desired.
Despite the well-documented benefits, global breastfeeding rates remain lower than expected. This is often due to a range of factors, with one of the most significant being the lack of consistent resources and support available to parents throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Why breastfeeding is worth prioritizing
Prioritization of breastfeeding can have such a large impact systemically. There are undeniable health benefits for the infant such as increase in cognitive development, improved immune support and provides optimal nutrition.
In addition to health benefits for the infant, the mother also has a reduced risk of certain cancers such as breast and ovarian, increased bonding and can have positive effects on mental health.
From an environmental standpoint, breastfeeding greatly reduces the impact by being a zero-waste practice with decreasing pollution and trash from packages.
There are economic benefits as well, lowering healthcare costs for families and society as a whole. In combination, these benefits show that breastfeeding is more than just a personal decision, but one that can have a lasting impact on public health, the environment and economic conditions.
When should breastfeeding support begin?
Breastfeeding support should begin early—during pregnancy—and continue well into the postpartum journey, ideally up to two years and beyond.
While most lactating parents receive some level of support immediately after birth, it is critical that this care extends beyond the hospital setting.
Breastfeeding is a dynamic process, and both mother and baby benefit from access to trained lactation professionals at every stage. From returning to work, to introducing solids and eventually weaning, ongoing guidance is essential to help families adapt, troubleshoot challenges and feel confident in their feeding journey.
Community support available at Rady Children’s Health
At CHOC, now Rady Children’s Health in Orange County, we are here to support you and your little one every step of the way. We have trained lactation consultants on staff Monday through Friday to help support all your lactation needs while your baby is in the hospital.
Our lactation team can assist with an initial feeding assessment, provide help with pumping and breastfeeding, develop a personalized feeding plan and offer guidance on obtaining a loaner pump or one for home use.
Additional breastfeeding resources and support in Orange County
- Birthing Hospitals (UCI, Hoag, Mission Hospital, St. Jude) can offer lactation support usually available via outpatient clinic
- International board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) can be covered by certain insurance for up to six visits- Call your insurance to see if there is a contracted provider you can see within network or use The Lactation Network
