A new baby brings so much joy, along with so many new things to plan and learn. One of the first and most personal decisions for a new mom is how you choose to feed your baby, be it breastfeeding, formula or a combination of the two. Most of all, it’s important that the baby is eating and growing at a healthy rate, as monitored by your pediatrician — no matter where the milk is coming from.
For those who have the ability and choose to breastfeed, the benefits to yourself and the baby can be many. This Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, Blue Shield of California is spotlighting the importance of informed, empowered choices about infant feeding.
“Breastfeeding isn’t just about nourishment — it’s about connection, empowerment and long-term wellness,” said Nicole Evans, director of Medi-Cal maternal, infant and child health equity at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “It’s a personal choice, but it’s also a deeply powerful one. Our goal is to ensure moms feel supported no matter where they are on that journey.”
Why breastfeeding matters
According to the California Department of Public Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is highly recommended, if it is available to you. Both agencies cite the lasting benefits of breastfeeding, not just for the baby, but for the mom and even the broader community.
For mothers:
- It lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer and ovarian cancer
- It triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding
- Breastfeeding can help support your body in postpartum recovery
For babies:
- Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients essential for growth and development
- It’s easier to digest than formula and helps reduce gas, constipation and feeding issues
- Antibodies in breast milk protect against common infections and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- For preterm babies, breast milk offers additional protection against serious short- and long-term health issues
Staying healthy while breastfeeding
Evans shares that there are five healthy habits that moms should keep in mind while breastfeeding. “It’s easy for new moms to forget their own health while caring for a newborn,” she said. “But healthy moms make healthy milk, which in turn improves the health of babies. We remind all our Blue Shield members that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.”
- Eat well: Your body needs about 450 to 500 extra calories a day to produce milk. Focus on balanced meals and continue taking any prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids and monitor hydration by checking your urine color — dark yellow may indicate dehydration.
- Plan ahead for birth control: Breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control, and it is possible to become pregnant again within weeks of giving birth. Talk with your doctor about non-hormonal birth control options for breastfeeding moms like condoms, diaphragms and copper IUDs.
- Limit caffeine intake: Caffeine is OK if consumed in moderation. Roughly 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day is considered safe, but newborns may be more sensitive to caffeine, especially if they’re preterm.
- Avoid smoking and vaping: If you’ve quit smoking — keep going! Even secondhand smoke can be dangerous for you and your baby.
Blue Shield supports new moms and families
Some plan members may have access to Maven, a virtual healthcare solution focused on women’s and family health, which offers on-demand virtual appointments with lactation consultants. Members who are eligible for this benefit can also access educational resources at any time, including virtual classes, helpful articles and community forums.
“Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, every parent deserves access to accurate information, quality care and non-judgmental support,” said Evans. “Breastfeeding Awareness Month is a time to celebrate those who breastfeed, uplift those who can’t or choose not to, and ensure that no mother walks her journey alone.”
Resources
For more on breastfeeding, reach out to your primary care doctor, or visit the Blue Shield of California Maternity Health web page. You can also find more help by visiting these sites: