The Benefits of Breastfeeding: Supporting You and Your Baby, One Feed at a Time

Did you know that 80 percent of moms start out wanting to breastfeed. Although moms have the best intention to breastfeed, about 60 percent of moms stop earlier than they want to due to many challenges. 

Even though breastfeeding is often described as natural, it doesn’t mean it will always be easy.  The challenges that many moms face is pain, supply issue, or they may be retuning to work.

For many mothers, it’s a learned skill and this skill  will benefits from education, preparation, and the right support. Whether you plan to breastfeed exclusively, combination feed, pump, or are still deciding, understanding the benefits of breastfeeding can help you make informed choices that work for your body and your family.

Benefits for Baby

Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet your baby’s needs, especially in the early days of life.

• Immune protection: Colostrum and breast milk contain antibodies that help protect babies from infections, especially in the newborn period.

• Digestive support: Breast milk is easier for babies to digest and may reduce issues like constipation and reflux.

• Blood sugar stability: For babies at risk of low blood sugars (such as those born to mothers with gestational diabetes or who are small or large for gestational age), breast milk and colostrum can help support stable glucose levels.

• Tailored nutrition: Breast milk adapts over time to meet your baby’s changing needs.

Even small amounts of breast milk, especially early colostrum—can offer meaningful benefits. See the prenatal hand expression blog to help with this.

Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding also supports maternal health and recovery.

• Supports postpartum healing: Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract and may reduce postpartum bleeding.

• Milk supply regulation: Frequent and effective milk removal helps establish and maintain supply.

• Emotional connection: Many mothers find breastfeeding supports bonding, though bonding can happen in many ways.

• Long-term health benefits: Breastfeeding has been associated with lower risks of certain cancers and chronic conditions.

It’s important to note: breastfeeding benefits are not all-or-nothing. Every drop counts, and feeding choices can change over time.

Education Makes a Difference

One of the biggest factors in breastfeeding success is education before birth. Learning how milk production works, how to recognize effective feeding, and how to support milk flow can help reduce stress in those early days.

That’s why tools like prenatal hand expression education with a  clear, step-by-step guidance can be so valuable, especially for first-time moms or those with previous feeding challenges.

Support Looks Different for Everyone

Not every breastfeeding journey looks the same, and that’s okay. Some mothers breastfeed directly, some pump, some combine feeding methods, and some provide breast milk for a shorter period of time. The goal is not perfection—it’s support, nourishment, and confidence.

At Real Moms Boutique, our breastfeeding support kits are thoughtfully curated to help make learning and feeding a little easier. Our sets include practical tools and easy-to-understand educational resources designed by nurses who understand both the clinical side of breastfeeding and the real-life experience of motherhood.

These kits are not about pressure—they’re about giving you options, knowledge, and support, so you can move forward feeling prepared.

A Gentle Reminder

Breastfeeding is not a measure of your worth as a mother. It’s one part of a much bigger picture that includes rest, recovery, mental health, and support. Whether breastfeeding is part of your journey for a few days, a few months, or longer, you deserve care that feels informed, realistic, and kind.

You’re allowed to learn as you go.
You’re allowed to ask for help.
And you’re allowed to choose what works best for you and your baby.

Reach out to us if you have any questions or want support. As nurses with a background in Maternal Chid Health we have had a lot of experience helping moms and babies be successful in their breastfeeding journey.