Top Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies

Breast feeding is very important for a new born child. Many studies have shown that breastfeeding can help the baby grow healthy and strong. Many women are either unable to breastfeed or choose not to breastfeed. This may be a personal choice, however, it has been proved that children who are breast feed have a better immune system and growth compared to children who are not. The breast milk has the important nutrients which the child needs after it is born. Also, It is easily digested by the child. We will discuss some of the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mothers and the babies.

Babies:

Ideal Nutrition

Almost all the doctors agree that all babies should be only breastfeed for almost 6 months and continued for one year with other diets. It contains everything required by the child to survive the first 6 months. When a baby is born, the breasts produce colostrum,which is high in protein and helps develop the digestive tract of the child. It is the ideal milk for a newborn. It is low on vitamin D which can be compensated by vitamin D drops.

Antibodies

Now this is the most important reason why you should breast feed the child. The breast milk has ample amount of antibodies which help fight the virus and bacteria. The colostrum has high amount of immunoglobulin A and other antibodies which help develop a strong immune system in the child. The antibodies are produced by the mother and transferred to the child while breastfeeding. No other formula or product can do that for the child, hence making breast feeding very important.

Reduce diseases

During the first 6 months the child is very vulnerable and can be affected, by any disease or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It helps the child wake up easily from sleep and reduces the chances of many infections, such as middle ear infection, respiratory tract infection, cold, gut infection, Allergic disease, celiac disease, diabetes and child leukemia. Some of these diseases can be life threatening. Also, most of these protective effects last throughout the childhood and even continue into adulthood.

Mothers:

Burn Calories

Breast feeding is not only beneficial to the babies, but also for the mothers. It can help burn the extra fat and calories and help reduce the pregnancy weight faster.

Uterus Contraction

It also helps resize the uterus by releasing the hormone oxytocin. After birth bleeding can also be reduced. This can also prevent menstruation in women to stop further pregnancies while the mother is breastfeeding.

Reduced risk of cancer

It is now confirmed that breastfeeding reduces the chances of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in many women. It can also protect against metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Lower risk of depression

Post pregnancy depression can most women post pregnancy. However, women who breastfeed are less likely to develop this condition. Some studies have shown that it helps in maternal bonds between the mother and the child.