Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both baby and mom. For babies, it provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and promotes healthy growth and development. For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and fosters a deep emotional bond with their baby. Read our blog to understand more.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby
Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood. Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies
- Most healthcare professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months or much longer. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs for the first 6 months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during the first month of life.
- Your breasts generate colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid, in the initial days after birth. It is rich in healthy components, low in sugar, and abundant in protein. It’s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula. Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.
- Vitamin D is perhaps the only thing missing from your magical milk supply.Your breast milk won’t supply enough unless you consume a lot of it, which isn’t the case for most of us. Drops of vitamin D are typically advised.
Breast milk contains important antibodies
- Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
- Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months. This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies.
- Formula doesn’t provide antibody protection for babies. Numerous studies show that babies who are not breastfed are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.
Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk
Breastfeeding can help to reduce your baby’s risk of:
- Infections
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease in adulthood
- Allergic diseases: Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.
- Bowel diseases: Babies who are breastfed may be less likely to develop Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Diabetes: Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes.
- Childhood leukemia: Breastfeeding is linked to a reduction in the risk for childhood leukemia.
Breastfeeding benefits for Moms
Breastfeeding may help you lose weight
Breastfeeding does burn more calories, and after 3 months of lactation, you’ll likely experience an increase in fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers. Though the difference isn’t significant.
Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract
- During pregnancy, your uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of your abdomen. After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process.
- Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help you bond with your new little one. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size.
- Studies have also shown that mothers who breastfeed generally have less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.
Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth. Women who breastfeed seem less likely to develop postpartum depression compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed.
Breastfeeding reduces your disease risk
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Arthritis
- High Blood pressure
The benefits of breastfeeding are so numerous that most health agencies recommend it for everyone for as long as possible, barring medical problems that prevent it. Breast milk contains antibodies and other elements that protect your baby from illness and chronic disease. It’s the best start you can give, if you’re able.
Conclusion
Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes, and solutions for the same.