Breastfeeding: What the Evidence Tells Us

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey—beautiful, sometimes challenging, and always meaningful. Whether you’re preparing to nurse, are currently breastfeeding, or are deciding what’s right for your family, it helps to know what the evidence says.

At Memorylane Doula Care, I honor your choices and provide you with the information you need to feel supported and empowered. Here's what the latest research tells us about the benefits of breastfeeding—for both baby and parent.

1. Breast Milk Is Biologically Designed for Your Baby

Breast milk is a dynamic, living substance. Its composition changes based on your baby’s age, health, and even the time of day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies your baby needs in early life.

Colostrum, the milk produced in the first few days, is rich in immune-boosting properties.

Breast milk continues to protect against infections, especially gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, throughout infancy.

2. Long-Term Benefits for Baby

Numerous studies have shown that babies who are breastfed have:

Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Reduced incidence of ear infections, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and childhood obesity

Slightly improved cognitive development and IQ scores (as supported by The Lancet and JAMA Pediatrics)

Breastfeeding doesn’t just nourish the body—it supports long-term growth and development in powerful ways.

3. Emotional and Physical Benefits for Parents

Breastfeeding supports postpartum healing and emotional bonding.

It releases oxytocin, which helps your uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding.

Parents who breastfeed often report feeling more connected and attuned to their baby’s cues.

Long-term, breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and lower rates of type 2 diabetes in birthing parents (CDC, 2023).

4. It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the gold standard recommended by WHO and AAP, but any amount of breast milk provides benefits.

Combination feeding (breast and formula) is also valid—and sometimes necessary. The goal is informed, supported feeding, not perfection.

5. Breastfeeding Can Be Hard—Support Matters

While natural, breastfeeding is a learned skill for both parent and baby. Challenges like latch issues, nipple pain, low milk supply, or tongue tie are common—and treatable with the right support.

Working with a lactation consultant, postpartum doula, or attending a local breastfeeding group can make a significant difference. Studies show that skilled support improves breastfeeding success rates and duration.

💬 Your Journey, Your Choice

Breastfeeding is not just a biological act—it’s emotional, social, and cultural. Your story is uniquely yours, and you deserve respect and care no matter how you choose to feed your baby.

At Memorylane Doula Care, I offer gentle, evidence-based support for all feeding journeys. Whether you’re breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or formula-feeding, you are doing something incredibly loving.

Need support?

I offer postpartum doula care, including help with feeding challenges, emotional support, and connection to lactation resources. Let’s walk this path together—with no judgment, just care.

Sources:

World Health Organization (WHO), 2023

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Policy Statement, 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023

JAMA Pediatrics, The Lancet Breastfeeding Series