Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Child
In today’s article we’d like to talk about some of the many health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies.
Many mothers can’t decide between breastfeeding and using formula. Also, some mothers can’t breastfeed for various reasons and shouldn’t feel guilty.
Whether or not you decide to breastfeed is a personal choice that you should make on your own, based on your values and medical situation.
However, it is clear that breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and child.
Some mothers can and do breastfeed their babies from birth because they recognize all the benefits that breast milk offers.
Keep reading to find out why breastfeeding is good for your baby, and for you too!
Breast milk adapts to your baby’s needs
Breast milk adapts to your child’s demands and nutritional needs. The more often the baby breastfeeds, the better the mother’s milk production will be. That’s why it is so important for babies to eat when hungry. This way, breast milk is regulated little by little.
Lower Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a devastating reality that many families experience around the world. Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS by 50%.
Less illnesses with breastfeeding
Breast milk also helps reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and Chron’s disease. It’s worth it to breastfeed just to avoid these illnesses!
Improved recovery from postpartum thanks to breastfeeding
A breastfeeding mother will have a better and faster recovery from postpartum and major scarring from birth wounds or a c-section.
When your baby is breastfeeding, you will be helping the uterus to contract. It also helps reduce the quantity of blood that is lost.
Stronger bones
Women who breastfeed have less risk of suffering postmenopausal osteoporosis. When a woman is pregnant and then breastfeeds, her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently.
Thus, while some bones like the vertebral column and hips can be less dense upon weaning, six months later they will be stronger than before the pregnancy.
Burn more calories
Pregnant women usually gain a few pounds that are hard to lose after pregnancy.
But while breastfeeding, extra calories are burned each day. With a balanced diet, it will not be too difficult to return to your pre-pregnancy weight. It is typical to burn 500 extra calories per day.
This can help you return to your previous weight, but only if you are conscientious of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to promote weight loss.
Less likelihood of suffering postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a reality that many women suffer from after giving birth. They may begin to see everything as emotional shades of grey.
But an emotionally healthy woman will be able to fight against this. Plus, breastfeeding generates oxytocin that helps to maintain stable hormonal levels.
Having stable hormonal levels will keep postpartum depression at bay.
Hopefully, you have been able to discover many of the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies.
But the decision on whether to breastfeed or not is both personal and private. Allow your instinct to guide you to the best decision for you.