What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding? Tips for New Moms

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to support your baby’s health and your own recovery after childbirth. But for many new mothers, breastfeeding can feel overwhelming at first. Questions about milk supply, latching, feeding schedules, and soreness are very common.

At The Gabrielson Clinic for Women, we want you to feel informed, supported, and confident as you begin your breastfeeding journey. Whether you plan to breastfeed for a few weeks, several months, or longer, every nursing session helps nourish your baby while supporting your health, too. 

This guide explains the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect during the first year, tips for success, and when to ask for help.

Why is Breastfeeding Important?

Breastfeeding supports your baby’s immune system, brain development, digestion, and long-term health while also helping mothers recover after childbirth and lowering the risk of several diseases. 

Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

Breast milk contains nutrients, antibodies, and healthy fats that help babies grow and stay healthy.

Breastfeeding Helps Build a Strong Immune System

Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from infections and illness. Breastfed babies often have fewer:

• Ear infections
• Respiratory infections
• Stomach viruses
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• RSV and pneumonia

Research also shows that breastfeeding may lower the risk of:

• Asthma
• Eczema
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Childhood leukemia
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Colostrum, the thick, golden milk produced during the first few days after birth, acts like your baby’s first immunization.

Breast Milk Supports Healthy Growth & Brain Development

Breast milk contains the right balance of:

• Protein
• Healthy fats
• Vitamins
• Carbohydrates
• Water

These nutrients support:

• Brain development
• Nervous system growth
• Healthy digestion
• Healthy weight gain

Breast milk is also easier for newborns to digest than formula.

Breastfeeding Helps Strengthen Bonding

Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding increases oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone.” This helps mothers and babies feel calm and connected.

Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

Breastfeeding is not only healthy for babies, but it also supports a mother’s physical and emotional recovery after childbirth.

Faster Postpartum Recovery

Breastfeeding helps release oxytocin, which allows the uterus to return to its normal size and may reduce postpartum bleeding.

Many women also burn extra calories while breastfeeding, which may help with postpartum weight loss.

Lower Risk of Certain Diseases

Studies show breastfeeding may reduce a mother’s long-term risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis

The longer a woman breastfeeds over her lifetime, the greater some of these protective benefits may become.

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

Breastfeeding can help mothers feel emotionally connected to their baby and may lower the risk of postpartum depression when breastfeeding is going well and mothers feel supported.

Breastfeeding Timeline by Baby’s Age

Many parents wonder how breastfeeding benefits change over time. Here is a simple breastfeeding timeline to help you understand what to expect.

There is no “perfect” age to stop breastfeeding. Families should decide what works best for them.

Breastfeeding Tips for First-Time Moms

Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a learned skill. It can take time and practice for both mother and baby.

Start Breastfeeding Early

If possible, try breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Early skin-to-skin contact helps babies latch and supports milk production.

Learn Baby Hunger Cues

Feed your baby when you notice early hunger signs such as:

• Rooting
• Sucking on hands
• Opening the mouth
• Turning toward the breast

Crying is often a late hunger cue.

Focus on a Good Latch

A good latch helps your baby get enough milk and helps prevent nipple pain.

Signs of a good latch include:

• Baby’s mouth is wide open
• More of the lower areola is inside the mouth
• Nursing feels comfortable after the first few seconds
• Baby’s lips are flanged outward

If breastfeeding is painful throughout the feeding, ask for help.

Feed on Demand

Most newborns need to breastfeed 8 to 12 times, every 24 hours.

Feeding on demand helps:

• Increase milk supply
• Keep babies satisfied
• Prevent engorgement

How to Tell if Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk

Many new mothers worry about low milk supply. Often, supply is normal even if breasts feel soft or the baby seems fussy.

Healthy Feeding Checklist

• 8–12 feedings every 24 hours
• Steady weight gain
• 4–6 wet diapers daily after the first week
• Baby appears satisfied after most feedings
• Regular bowel movements
• You can hear swallowing during feeds

Common Causes of Low Milk Supply

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Feed or Pump More Often

Milk production is driven by supply and demand. The more often milk is removed, the more milk your body will make.

Aim to:

• Breastfeed 8 to 12 times daily
• Fully empty the breasts
• Pump after feedings if needed

Try the 3-3-3 Rule

Some mothers use the “3-3-3 rule” to help boost supply:

• Pump every 3 hours
• For 3 days
• Continue pumping for 3 minutes after milk stops flowing

Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact

Holding your baby skin-to-skin can stimulate milk production and help babies nurse more effectively.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Drink water when thirsty and eat balanced meals with:

• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats

Foods like oats, almonds, spinach, and brewer’s yeast may support milk production in some mothers.

Is Breastfeeding Pain Normal?

Some tenderness during the first few days can be normal. However, ongoing pain is not normal.

If pain continues, contact your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding and Pumping Tips

Many mothers combine breastfeeding and pumping, especially after returning to work.

Helpful pumping tips include:

• Use the correct flange size
• Pump on a regular schedule
• Massage breasts while pumping
• Continue pumping briefly after milk flow slows

If little milk comes out while pumping, continue for a few extra minutes to help stimulate future milk production.

How Long Should I Breastfeed?

The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend:

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
• Continued breastfeeding with solid foods for 2 years or longer if desired

Can I Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?

Yes. Most mothers can safely enjoy moderate caffeine while breastfeeding.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?

If you have one alcoholic drink:

• Wait about 2 hours before breastfeeding
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid caring for the baby if impaired

When to Ask for Breastfeeding Help

You should contact your provider or a lactation consultant if:

• Breastfeeding is very painful
• Your baby is not gaining weight
• Your baby has fewer wet diapers
• You think your milk supply is low
• You have signs of mastitis, such as fever or breast redness

Getting help early can make breastfeeding easier and more successful.

Breastfeeding Support at Gabrielson Clinic for Women

The Gabrielson Clinic for Women is committed to supporting mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. We proudly partner with Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics to offer free maternity classes for our patients. 

Our OB nurse navigator, Jennifer Mewes, RN, helps guide patients throughout pregnancy and postpartum care. 

From your first prenatal visit to life after delivery, our team is here to answer questions, coordinate care, and help you feel prepared and supported. 

Contact Us to Schedule a Visit