Advantages of Breastfeeding for Both Baby and Mom
If you have been overwhelmed with information regarding breastfeeding and wondering if you should nurse your new baby or not, then this article is for you. The advantages of breastfeeding seem to be limitless.
In infants, breast milk is the ultimate source of nutrition. It is nutrient-dense, easily digestible, and well…easily accessible as well.
Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, refers to the practice of giving your infant your breast milk. The decision to breastfeed your child is a personal one, and then only you have the right to make this decision.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both highly advocate exclusively breastfeeding your newborn for 6 months. Breastfeeding should not be topped after introducing other meals and should continue parallel to other feed for the baby’s first year of life.
Let’s go through all the advantages breastfeeding offers to both you and your baby.
1. Breast milk has immense nourishment for infants.
Most doctors advise exclusively nursing the baby for at least 6 months.
Breast milk provides everything an infant needs in the first six months of life in the appropriate amount. The demand and supply fluctuate with the changing requirements of the infant, especially during the first month of life.
Colostrum is a fluid produced by your breasts after delivery. It’s abundant in protein, less in sugar, and has a complete package of healthy ingredients. It’s a proper miracle meal that can’t be replicated using a formula.
2. Strong antibodies are found in breast milk.
Breast milk is high in antibodies which is vital for the baby to fight viruses and germs, especially during the early months when they are vulnerable.
This is particularly valid with colostrum, the first milk that comes after delivery. It is said to contain many immunoglobulins A (IgA) and a lot of other antibodies.
This essential Antibody protection is not provided by infant formula. Several studies have shown that newborns who are not breastfed are more susceptible to health problems such as pneumonia and other infections.
3. Breastfeeding may lower the risk of illness.
It may reduce your baby’s chance of developing various illnesses and disorders, including:
- Throat and sinus infections: Breastfeeding, especially for as long as feasible and exclusively, may protect your child against throat and sinus infections.
- Infections of the respiratory tract: Breastfeeding can inhibit your baby from various respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Diseases and the common cold: Infants who are breastfed solely for 6 months have a reduced likelihood of acquiring serious colds and other infections.
- Infections in the intestines: breastfeeding has been linked to a decline in gastrointestinal ailments.
- Decrease in intestine diseases and damages.
4. Breastfeeding may improve a child’s intelligence.
Breastfeeding may assist your child in passing exams with flying colors. Research has shown that Breastfed and formula-fed newborns may have different brain development.
This discrepancy might be related to the physical closeness, touch, and eye contact between mother and child, that comes with nursing, as well as the nutritional content.
According to research, breastfed newborns have higher cognitive ratings and are less likely to have behavioural issues or learning challenges as they grow.
Benefits for Mom:
1. Breastfeeding may aid in weight loss.
You may have come across this information before. While some women seem to gain weight while breastfeeding, others seem to lose weight with ease.
Breastfeeding burns more calories than formula feeding.
According to doctors, compared to non-lactating women, you’ll likely see an increase in fat burning after 3 months of breastfeeding. The change isn’t that significant, though.
For more information on breastfeeding, see this video.
