More Than Milk: What Breastfeeding Really Builds

Every August, World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) reminds us of a powerful truth. When a baby is breastfed, the benefits extend far beyond infancy. These benefits ripple outward, through childhood, adulthood, and sometimes even into the next generation.

Breastfed babies often grow into healthier children. What’s more, when these adults become parents, they’re more likely to breastfeed their children.

New research shows that breastfeeding might actually change how genes work, passing important health benefits from one generation to the next. It’s not just nourishment. It’s a legacy of health.

Breastfeeding Builds More Than Nutrition

Yes, breast milk fuels growth. But it also builds connections. Breastfeeding helps babies feel safe and seen. That bond helps shape how they experience the world.

And it supports brain development in big ways. Fatty acids like DHA and ARA, found in breast milk, are critical for early brain and vision growth. According to the CDC, breastfed babies even score slightly higher on cognitive and language tests.

But it’s not only the milk, it’s the quiet time, the eye contact, and the skin-to-skin closeness. All of it helps wire the brain for learning and trust.

The Protection Starts Early and Stays Strong

Breast milk is nature’s first line of defense, packed with antibodies that help protect babies from a wide range of illnesses. Research shows it lowers the risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, allergies, celiac disease, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Beyond protecting against illness, breast milk supports the healthy development of the heart, immune system, and bones. Plus, it’s easier for babies to digest compared to formula, which means fewer digestive issues and greater comfort during feeding.

Benefits for Parents, Too

Breastfeeding isn’t just good for babies; it’s also beneficial for mothers’ health. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother’s risk for several serious health conditions. It can help lower the chances of developing postpartum depression, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breast and ovarian cancers, and metabolic syndrome – a group of contributors that increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke.

The health lactation supports is mutual. Baby and parents grow stronger together.

It’s Emotional. And That’s Normal

While breastfeeding offers many benefits, it isn’t always easy. Many parents face challenges like sore nipples and latching difficulties. One common question: “Am I making enough milk?” Usually, the answer is yes, but without the right support, these worries can be overwhelming.

That’s where Yanett Hodgson, a lactation consultant at Legacy, steps in. She supports parents through the toughest emotional and physical moments of early parenthood, offering hands-on help, reassurance, and practical tips. She teaches techniques for a better latch, how to know if the baby is getting enough milk, and ways to boost supply when needed.

Yanett also stresses the importance of the “Golden Hour”– that first hour after birth when skin-to-skin contact helps both baby and parent bond and sets the stage for breastfeeding success.

When parents feel overwhelmed or choose to supplement with formula, Yanett meets them with empathy and zero judgment, because “success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.” Moments like seeing a baby finally latch are what keep her going. Yanett blends expert care with real compassion to help parents feel more confident.

“Infant feeding is a personal journey,” Yanett said. “There’s no wrong choice as long as it’s yours.”

Every Parent Deserves a Fair Start to Breastfeed

Not all parents get the same level of breastfeeding support. Families of color, especially Black and Hispanic parents, often face more barriers, despite wanting to breastfeed.

According to the CDC’s 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card, exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months are:

• 9% for non-Hispanic White infants
• 5% for Hispanic infants
• 1% for non-Hispanic Black infants

These gaps aren’t about motivation; they’re about access.

Alejandra Zuniga, Prenatal Navigation Manager at Legacy, says breastfeeding challenges often go beyond the basics. “Workplace inflexibility, lack of paid leave, misinformation, cultural stigma, and limited access to lactation resources all play a role,” she explains. Emotional health, transportation, and other logistical barriers matter too.

Legacy’s Prenatal Navigation and Patient Education teams tackle these issues early. They provide culturally sensitive counseling and help to navigate the system. The goal is to give parents the right information, steady support, and encouragement. This is especially important in the first critical days after birth when help with breastfeeding latch and feeding schedules matters most.

Zuniga and her team also clear up common myths – like formula always being easier, breastfeeding should be pain-free right away, or that small babies don’t get enough nutrition from breast milk. This helps moms feel confident and empowered on their feeding journey.

“Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to learn, for both mom and baby,” Alejandra said.

Support For Your Legacy

Legacy offers lactation support without judgment and provides personalized care for families. The lactation support services include:

• Free one-on-one visits with certified lactation consultants
• Daily lactation education telehealth appointments
• Walk-in lactation support at the Southwest Clinic
• Pediatric and lactation co-visits
• Referrals through health care providers

As part of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 – “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” – Legacy’s Prenatal Navigation and Patient Education teams will be offering new breastfeeding education classes throughout August. They will also provide in-person support and share information with families at multiple clinic locations.

For more information, visit legacycommunityhealth.org or call (832) 548-5000. Because every generation deserves a strong, healthy start.