Breastfeeding & Baby: how does breastfeeding impact you and your baby’s health?

The first week of August marks the International Week of Breastfeeding!

Breastfeeding practices vary by culture and region and are widely encouraged in Canada by doctors.

In addition to being part of the overall postpartum process and being an invaluable chance to bond with a newborn, breastfeeding can help both mom and baby in a variety of ways.

For instance, one prime advantage for newborns includes nurturing a healthy gut microbiome—meaning healthier bacteria in your digestive system. This has been linked to reductions in complications like infant gastroenteritis and hospitalization, among other things

As well, breastfeeding also lowers the incidence of respiratory diseases and ear, nose, and throat infections in infants, which researchers have linked to mothers’ ability to pass on immunity to their children (which is a process called “passive immunity”). Breastfeeding also helps with jaw development, infant obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

For mothers, breastfeeding contributes to postpartum well-being by weight loss, decreasing the occurrence of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and postnatal depression. It also lowers the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies.

Although breastfeeding is generally recommended, it may not come as naturally as you might think. Latching issues, sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis are a few common difficulties that can tint this wonderful and rewarding experience.

The benefits, however, for a child’s dental health are quite clear. In fact, breastfeeding until the age of one does not increase risk of cavities; the practice actually helps reduce your baby’s risk of diseases like obesity, diabetes, and SIDS. Studies found that the practice could even help children develop healthy “bites” in their primary teeth.

Some studies do point to the fact that children who are breastfed beyond the age of 12 months do demonstrate an increased risk of cavities. But studies do not always take into account contradictory factors such as eating habits of the mother or infant (frequent feeding throughout the night, number of meals per day, introduction to other solid and sweet foods, dental hygiene, or the sociocultural context of mother and child.

After all, the choice to breastfeed (or not!) is a holistic one that should take into account the support system, the mother’s health, and the individual child. Guilt should not play a role in your choice to breastfeed. If you are having a hard time breastfeeding, there are many resources that can help.

Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs): International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are professionals who specialize in breastfeeding support and education. They have undergone specialized training and certification to assist mothers with breastfeeding challenges.
Public Health Nurses: Public health nurses often provide breastfeeding support and education to new mothers through local health units or community clinics.
Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs): CLCs are certified professionals who provide breastfeeding support and education, similar to IBCLCs but with a different certification.
Maternity and Postpartum Doulas: Some doulas specialize in supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including providing assistance with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support Groups: Vancouver has various breastfeeding support groups where mothers can meet and share their experiences, receive guidance, and get support from other breastfeeding mothers.
Hospitals and Birthing Centers: Many hospitals and birthing centers in Vancouver have lactation consultants on staff to help mothers with breastfeeding right after delivery and during their postpartum stay.
Private Lactation Consultants: There are private lactation consultants who offer one-on-one breastfeeding support and personalized care for mothers who prefer individualized assistance.

It’s important to note that the qualifications and certifications of lactation specialists can vary, so it’s a good idea to inquire about a lactation specialist’s specific credentials and training before seeking their assistance. Our clinic has partnered with a few consultants who are physicians with extensive family medicine backgrounds. We highly recommend them as their practices and suggestions are usually supported by scientific research.

> Dr. Kara Jansen at St Paul’s Hospital (hyperlink to a referral form)

> Dr. Betty Lin and Dr. Diane Park at Tri City Infant Feeding Clinic (hyperlink to a referral form)

> Dr. Jennifer Wickens in the Victoria area (EMR referral by fax to 250-387-7304)

Another topic that’s very close-to-home for pediatric dentists is tongue tie and breastfeeding. Another blog post is currently in the works on this topic, so stay tuned for more!

In the mean time, if you have questions or concerns about tongue tie, please don’t hesitate to call us to book a consultation appointment.

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