To breastfeed or not to breastfeed? New mothers often struggle with this decision. Experts agree that breastfeeding offers significant benefits to your little one. However, you may not know that mothers reap some benefits from breastfeeding.
Benefits for your baby
Breastfeeding provides skin-to-skin contact that helps your baby bond with you and feels secure. In addition, breast milk provides your baby with many health benefits. For the full effects of these health benefits, you should breastfeed your baby exclusively for six months (no solids or liquids other than breast milk).
Experts agree that even a short breastfeeding period is better than none.
Nutrition
Breast milk is complete nutrition. It’s the perfect mix of vitamins, fat, and protein, and it changes over time to adjust to your baby’s nutritional needs as he grows.
Immune defense
The antibodies in breast milk help your baby fight off bacteria and viruses. Your body naturally produces these antibodies in response to germs in your environment, so your breast milk is tailored to combat the health threats your baby may encounter.
Research also suggests that breastfed babies have a more robust immune response to vaccines, making the vaccines more effective.
Allergy and asthma protection
Although studies have not identified a reason, there’s strong evidence to suggest that breastfed children are less likely to struggle with allergies and asthma. One theory is that secretory IgA, found in breast milk but not in formula, provides a layer of protection in your baby’s intestines that helps prevent allergic reactions.
Obesity risk reduction
Breastfed babies are less likely to struggle with obesity later in life. This may be because breastmilk contains less insulin than formula, and insulin stimulates fat creation. Breastfed babies also have more leptin in their bodies, which may help regulate appetite.
Other risk reduction
Breastfeeding is also linked to a reduced risk of Celiac Disease, Diabetes, and Crohn’s Disease later in life. In addition, breastfed babies are less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than their non-breastfed counterparts.
Breastfed babies experience significantly fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, and bouts of diarrhea in their first year of life than formula-fed babies.
Benefits for you
The top breastfeeding benefit for new mothers is that it’s easy. You’ll likely feel overwhelmed in your first few months of motherhood, and every task you can eliminate is a bonus.
Forget about sterilizing bottles and mixing formulas – just lift your shirt! But the benefits don’t stop there.
Post-pregnancy weight loss
Did you know that breastfeeding burns lots of calories? You can burn around 400 calories per day just by feeding your baby. That amounts to losing your pregnancy weight much more quickly.
Faster recovery
Breastfeeding causes your body to release the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for helping your body heal after pregnancy and delivery. Oxytocin helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may also help prevent postpartum depression.
Cancer risk reduction
Women who have breastfed their children have lower rates of certain cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.
Osteoporosis risk reduction
When you’re breastfeeding, your bones are better at absorbing calcium. The reason is not entirely understood, but women emerge from the breastfeeding period of their babies’ lives with stronger, denser bones.
Menstruation postponement
Women who don’t breastfeed see the return of their periods relatively quickly. Women who do breastfeed often experience a delay of several months before their period returns.
Financial savings
Last but not least, you’ll save money. The formula is expensive and can cost several hundred dollars per month, depending on the type of formula that your baby needs.
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While breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby, some mothers can’t breastfeed or choose not to. If this is you, discuss your baby’s nutritional needs with your doctor and choose the best solution.
It’s possible to buy breast milk, which many experts recommend if you’re not breastfeeding your baby.
Alternately, find out which formula your doctor recommends for your baby. You’ll need to ensure you have appropriate bottles, nipples, and sterilizing equipment.
