Breast milk is recommended for new born babies. This milk is very nutritious and is easy to digest. Despite this, some mothers don’t breastfeed their babies. Breast milk contains plenty of health benefits. These benefits apply to both the baby and the mother. The following are some benefits linked to breastfeeding:
It is nutritious for new born babies
All experts agree that new born babies should be breastfeed at least 6 months. Afterwards, the baby can be introduced to different kinds of meals. Breast milk contains different kinds of nutrients that will help the baby grow healthy. All new born babies should take the right proportions of nutrients during the first six months. New mothers produce thick and yellow fluid, normally called colostrum. It contains high amounts of protein and other compounds that are beneficial for the baby. Colostrum is recommended for the baby’s immature digestive tract. Babies who take breast milk for the first six month tend to grow health.
Breast milk has important antibodies
Breast milk contains different kinds of antibodies. These antibodies are responsible for helping the baby fight of bacteria and viruses. Colostrum contains most of these antibodies. The mother’s body also produces antibodies when exposed to bacteria and viruses. This helps keep the mother in good shape while breastfeeding. Generally, the antibodies found in colostrum play two functions. It forms the protective layer on the digestive system, throat and the baby nose. Secondly, it helps fight different bacteria. The antibodies in breast milk prevent the mother from transmitting different kinds of conditions. Milk formula doesn’t contain the antibodies found in breast milk.
It reduces the risks of different diseases
Breastfeeding is known for reducing possibility of the baby contracting some illness and diseases. Below are some illnesses, breast milk can prevent
- It can reduce the risks of respiratory tract infections.
- Babies under six months who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from serious colds and throat infection.
- Severe ear infections.
- It reduces the risks of gut infections.
- Allergic conditions
- Intestinal tissue damage
- Celiac disease
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel condition
- Child leukemia
Breastfeeding also helps manage some conditions.
It helps the infant attain healthy weight
New born babies should grow the right way. Breastfeeding can help your child gain weight the right way. This helps prevent obesity. Obesity in infants is dangerous because it increases the risks of some medical conditions. Some formula fed meals are known to cause obesity. Breastfeeding reduces the possibility of your infant becoming obese in the future. Breast milk contains high levels of gut bacteria. Gut bacteria is known to reduce fat storage in the body. Breast milk also contains leptin. Leptin is the hormone responsible for fat storage and appetite.
It has been linked to making infants smarter
Studies have proven that there is a link between breast milk and infant being smart. Breast milk can make a baby smarter when compared to formula milk. This is in terms of intelligence. Breast milk also reduces the possibility of behavioral and learning problems. Breastfeeding can stimulate proper brain development of the child.
Breastfeeding mother can shed off some pounds
A significant amount of women gain weight during pregnancy and after they give birth. Well; breastfeeding can help some women lose sufficient amount of weight. As we all know, the hormonal balance of breastfeeding mothers is very different. The hormonal changes in the body increase the appetite of mothers. Their body also stores a lot of fat that is used in milk production. Breastfeeding mothers are more likely to lose weight the first months after giving birth. The fat burning process for breastfeeding mothers is likely to increase after three months. This is the reason they lose more weight when compared to those who don’t breastfeed. Workout and diet also influences the amount of pounds lactating mothers lose.
It helps with uterus contraction
The uterus grows in size during pregnancy. This helps accommodate the fetus growth throughout the nine months. The uterus should return to its original after birth. This process is called involution. Oxytocin hormone helps in this process. This hormone is also helps in child deliver. It also reduces bleeding during child delivery. High amounts of oxytocin is also produced when breastfeeding. This aids in the contraction of uterus and reduce bleeding. Women who breastfeed their infants are more likely to attain uterus contraction faster when compared to those who don’t breastfeed.
Breastfeeding reduces the risks of depression
There are numerous situations where mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Postpartum is a very common depression. Studies and practical have showcased that breastfeeding reduces the risks of postpartum depression. Mothers who don’t breastfeed are at a high risk of postpartum depression. Some women experience depression immediately after depression. This makes them have difficulty breastfeeding their newborns. Breastfeeding is also linked to hormonal changes with an aim of promoting bonding and care giving. Oxytocin is one of the hormones that increase. This hormone has anti-anxiety effects and makes breast feeding mothers relax.
It reduces the risks of diseases
Breastfeeding mothers are at a low risk of developing different kinds of diseases. Cancer is one of these conditions. The time a mother breastfeeds her child reduces the risks of ovarian and breast cancer. Studies also reveal that breastfeeding reduces the risks of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is linked to different kinds of health conditions such as heart condition.
It helps prevent menstruation
Continuous breastfeeding pauses menstruation and ovulation. This is normal as it creates space between pregnancies. Some ladies use this birth control mechanism a few months after giving birth. However, it cannot be relied upon for a long period. Breastfeeding can delay your menstruation.
It is cost effective
Unlike milk formula, breast milk is natural. This means you don’t have to spend any amount to feed your infant. There is also no limit on the amounts of breast milk you should give your baby. Furthermore, breastfeeding can be carried out anywhere. Breast milk is also the right temperature.
Bottom line
Breastfeeding contains plenty of benefits. Milk formula is another option if you are unable to breastfeed. As seen, it poses plenty of benefits to both the baby and the mother.