Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for a mother and her baby. It builds a baby’s immune system and provides the perfect nutrition. It also provides other health benefits like lowering the risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and a continuation even after solid foods are introduced, until at least the baby is a year old or until both mom and baby agree to end it. On the other hand, The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until a baby is 2 years of age or even longer because the benefits continue that long. These experts recommend starting an hour after birth for the biggest benefits.
This new article reveals the science-based benefits of breastfeeding that are amazing for a mom and her baby.
Let’s dive right in…
What are the Components of Breast milk?
Many components of breast milk satisfy a baby’s needs and these include:
- Carbohydrates, such as lactose, aid a healthy balance of bacteria in a baby’s digestive system.
- Fats that aid the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system.
- Proteins, like lactoferrin and secretory IgA, protect one's baby against infections.
- Vitamins that support a baby’s growth.
- White blood cells that fight against infection.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Breast milk?
Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed for a baby's growth and development. It provides a unique and specific mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Breast milk supports a baby's health because it:
- Is easy for their developing stomach and intestines to digest.
- Contains antibodies that protect against infections and boost immunity.
- Has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins for a baby’s development.
- Promotes healthy weight gain.
- Changes in composition to fulfill a baby’s nutritional needs over time.
- Contains substances that naturally soothe a baby.
Most healthcare organizations recommend that a mom exclusively breastfeeds her baby for at least six months. Once a baby is old enough to eat solid foods, the mom can introduce these foods and continue breastfeeding for up to two years or longer. Also know that if a mom exclusively pumps, the baby is still getting the nutritional and health benefits of breastmilk.
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What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for a Mom?
Breastfeeding offers several benefits to a mother, too. In the following months after delivery, breastfeeding lowers the risk for postpartum depression if breastfeeding is going well and the mother feels well-supported. It goes much further in reducing the risk of developing:
- Breast cancer.
- Ovarian cancer.
- Endometrial cancer.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Osteoporosis.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
Besides supporting her long-term health, breastfeeding has many other benefits for her, as well as for her relationship with her baby. These include:
- Recovering quickly from childbirth: Breastfeeding is known to produce the hormone oxytocin. This helps the uterus to contract after delivery and helps it to return to its normal size, reducing the amount of vaginal bleeding after delivery.
- Increases physical and emotional bonding: Breastfeeding is a special and unique way for a mom to feel connected to her baby. Experts say that bonding from breastfeeding may help reduce social and behavioral problems in both children and adults.
- Establish trust: Breastfeeding mothers learn to read their baby’s cues, and in return, their babies learn to trust them. This helps shape a baby’s early behavior.
- Easy Convenience: A mother can breastfeed nearly anywhere without being distressed about preparing bottles or mixing formula. Breastmilk is also readily available without needing to bring other supplies.
- Low cost: Though breastfeeding may have some initial costs like nursing bras and nipple cream, it is very much more affordable when compared to formula in the long run.
What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Her Baby?
Research suggests that breastfeeding lowers the risk of a baby getting certain diseases while building a strong immune system. Breastfed babies tend to have a lower risk of getting:
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
- Respiratory infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia, and whooping cough.
- Ear infections.
- Bacterial meningitis.
- Asthma.
- Infant mortality and Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Childhood obesity.
- Eczema.
- Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Leukemia (in childhood).
- Cavities and future orthodontic problems for babies less than a year of age.
- Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Research shows that breastfed babies have a lower hospitalization rate and tend to be in good health. This, of course, leads to fewer hospital visits.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Does breastfeeding help a mother lose weight?
Breastfeeding is likely to make it easier for a mom to lose the weight gained during pregnancy. Breastfeeding burns calories, which aids with weight loss.
But note that not everyone loses weight from breastfeeding. Experts are not sure why some women lose weight while breastfeeding and others don’t. Several other factors can contribute to weight loss/gain, like physical activity, calorie consumption, and sleep quality.
What if a mom can’t breastfeed?
Many factors can prevent a mom from breastfeeding exclusively or at all. For example, certain medical conditions or prior surgeries can affect the body’s process of producing and releasing milk (lactation). Or the work schedule or other constraints may make breastfeeding difficult to manage.
If breastfeeding isn’t feasible for you, know that you are not alone. Speak to your baby’s pediatrician about the best formula for your baby. If your situation allows you to breastfeed but you are facing difficulties like low milk supply, talk to a specialist. There are certified health professionals who specialize in breastfeeding problems. They can help you overcome difficulties that might otherwise make you stop breastfeeding.
A Note from Dr. Favvy
One of the numerous decisions you will make as a mother is how to feed your baby. Before you decide, take time to understand the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. Some women aren’t able to fully breastfeed or breastfeed at all, and that is OK. There are many formula options that will help your baby grow. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician to get the needed information and support as you navigate life with your new baby.
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Disclaimer
The information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your child’s pediatrician.
Always consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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