The Power of Breastfeeding

Fika Midwifery Provides Encouragement, Social Justice, Holistic Care, and Education
By Maura Winkler
Fika (fee-ka) is a Swedish word that embraces a cultural tradition taking a break to enjoy coffee and baked goods. It is that feeling of warmth and community that Fika Midwifery provides to infants and mothers in an environment that embraces reproductive justice, antiracism, and a greater understanding of the importance of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding promotes health, bonding, and emotional well-being, and is a vital practice that offers profound benefits that extends far beyond the first year of life. Although the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years, only 17% of parents in the United States continue beyond 12 months, with even lower rates among women of color. Key benefits of breastfeeding are outlined below.
For Infants
- Nutrition. Breast milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients that infants need for healthy growth and development, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
- Immunity Protection. Breast milk provides antibodies and immune factors that help protect infants from illnesses, infections, and allergies.
- Digestion. It is easier for babies to digest breast milk compared to formula, reducing the risk of constipation and gastrointestinal issues.
- Lowers risk of chronic diseases. Breastfed infants have lower rates of asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesity later in life compared to formula-fed infants.
- Emotional bonding. Breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact and bonding between the mother and baby, which is crucial for emotional development.
For Mothers
- Health benefits. Breastfeeding helps mothers recover from childbirth more quickly by helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing postpartum bleeding. It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
- Convenience and cost. Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature, without the need for preparation or sterilization. It also saves money compared to formula feeding.
- Bonding and emotional well-being. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding between mother and baby.
- Natural birth control. Exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation and fertility in some women, providing a natural form of birth control (known as the lactational amenorrhea method).
Despite the overwhelming health benefits of breastfeeding, many moms worry about whether their baby is receiving adequate nutrition, whether they are feeding too often, or if they are spoiling their baby. It is these myths that Fika is working to dispel to bring breastfeeding out from behind closed doors to ensure that moms and their babies are living their healthiest lives.
Maura Winkler is a Certified Nurse Midwife, and Founder and Director of Fika Midwifery at The Coit House, 414 Virginia Street in Buffalo. Learn more about the extensive services available at Fika Midwifery, including prenatal care, community birth, postpartum care, wellness care, ultrasonography, and infusion therapy at www.coithousebuffalo.com. To schedule a visit with a lactation consultant for concerns, such as nipple or breast pain, problems with latch, milk supply, pumping, and newborn weight gain, call 716-427-4541.