Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer

  I love reading clinical studies and analyses (I really do!) and this one, from the Breastfeeding Medicine journal, is very exciting. The meta-analysis looked at studies between 2008 and 2014 that examined the effect of breastfeeding on the risk of maternal breast cancer. The analysis found that not only is breastfeeding correlated with a reduce risk of breast cancer, but longer duration of breast feeding is even better. This sums it up: "Findings from this meta-analysis suggest that breastfeeding, particularly a longer duration of breastfeeding, was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer."

Sadly, this doesn’t mean that if you breastfeed, you will not get breast cancer. So, PLEASE Moms - do breast self-exams, talk with your doctor about when it’s right for you to have a mammogram, and reduce risk factors such as smoking. Most of all, remember to consider your own health (emotional and physical) as intertwined with your baby’s. Breastfeeding is just another way to take care of both of you.

New Year, New Thoughts

Well, we made it. 2017 is finally here. Over the last year I moved, bought a house, and took several trainings in maternal mental health. It became apparent to me that mothers need a lot more support than they are getting. What does this have to do with breastfeeding? A lot. I often tell mothers, "Healthy mom for a healthy baby", while encouraging them to rest, seek outside support, and even take carefully prescribed medication if needed. A mother who is breastfeeding often feels unable to do any of these things. How can I rest when the baby is cluster feeding? How can I go to an appointment if I can't leave the baby with anyone? Am I harming my baby if I take medication while nursing? These are all questions that may not get answered (at least correctly) for the mother. The OB may say, "You'll feel much better in six weeks" and the pediatrician may say, "The baby gained weight - good job!" A lactation consultant is in the unique position to see both mother and baby and assess their needs, while working to preserve the breastfeeding relationship. She can say, "Let's think of some ways to simplify feedings so you can get the most rest right now" or” Why don't we make up a pumping plan for the next week so it feels a little more manageable?"