There are a number of benefits that breastfeeding has for your baby. However, did you know that it also benefits you, the mom, as well as society? Breastfeeding is something that occurs naturally after nine months of pregnancy. Here is some information that may enlighten you on how breastfeeding benefits more than just your baby!
First, we will discuss the breastfeeding benefits for babies:
* Breastfeeding benefits babies by providing them with colostrum immediately after they are born. This colostrum is perfect for babies, as it contains just the right amount of nutrients , including antibodies. Antibodies are what our bodies use to fight infections, and this is helpful for your baby who has an immune system that is not fully functioning yet. The antibodies, though, do help build up your baby’s immune system. The colostrum also helps your baby pass the meconium out of her bowels within the first few days. And do not think that it is only the colostrum that contains antibodies; the mature breastmilk also contains them so the beneficial health benefits continue on throughout the breastfeeding experience.
* Your baby is likely to be better protected from ear infections, SIDS, and have less chance of developing allergies and asthma, or becoming obese.
* Breastmilk is always available. It is the right temperature, contains the right combination of nutrients for your growing baby, and is convenient. This can be especially important if your baby has an impatient personality!
* Breastmilk is digested easier than formula is. This should result in less gas in your baby and consequently, a happier baby.
Now, let’s discuss the breastfeeding benefits for the mother:
* It will cost you less to breastfeed. With some cans of formula being as much as $20/can, you can see how the use of formula could add up!
* You will save time. Because breastfeeding offers you convenience, you can spend your time doing other things other than cleaning bottles, and making them. Instead, you can spend time doing something that you enjoy such as exercising or even sleeping!
* There is a link between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of cancer of the breasts or ovaries. It is better to breastfeed for as long as you can as this decreases the risks even more.
* The pregnancy pounds will come off naturally as you breastfeed, as your body is needing a lot of energy to produce milk for your baby.
* One of my favorite breastfeeding benefits is that menstruation ceases for many months as you breastfeed. But beware! You can still get pregnant when breastfeeding, because there is still the chance of ovulation when you are not expecting it!
* You may notice that when your baby suckles, that you experience cramps that are similar to those during menstruation. This is your uterus returning to its original size in your abdomen, and allows your body to get back into shape.
For All of Us:
* If babies have better immune systems, then they are less likely to experience illnesses and diseases that result in healthcare visits. As well, as they grow into adults, they are less likely to be reliant on the system for health problems that could have been decreased by breastfeeding when they were babies.
* As people become more comfortable with and learn more about breastfeeding benefits, they are more likely to see its value and encourage and support mothers.
So, as you can see, breastfeeding has benefits for everyone. Most people know that breastfeeding is best for babies, but they do not necessarily know that there are benefits for others as well. It is our job to spread the word that breastfeeding is best for all of us!
