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The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
For babies, breast milk is the right choice. It gives the best nutrition, and it is available anytime. Breastfeeding helps your baby develop physically and mentally, as it protects your health as a mother. Ensure that you have the right breastfeeding supplies when you decide to breastfeed your child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms breastfeed their baby for six months until at least one year. On the other hand, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until two years old or longer. Here are the benefits of breastfeeding:
Benefits for the Baby
Best Nutrition To Help Prevent Disease
Your breasts produce colostrum, a thick and yellowish fluid high in protein, low in sugar, and packed with healthy compounds. It’s the first milk you produce, and it’s a nutritious food that contains everything your baby needs. Colostrum helps the baby’s digestive tract to develop.
Antibodies are also found in breast milk. They help your baby stay healthy against diseases and bacteria. These antibodies play a crucial role in protecting your child in their early months. High amounts of antibodies like immunoglobulin A (IgA) are present in colostrum. They form a protective layer in your newborn’s nose, throat, and digestive system.
When an infant only receives breast milk, they can have a reduced risk for different illnesses and diseases like:
• Middle ear infections• Respiratory tract infections
• Colds and throat infections
• Gut infections
• Intestinal tissue damage
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Allergic diseases
• Bowel diseases
• Diabetes
• Childhood leukemia
Promotes Healthy Weight
Breastfeeding can help prevent obesity. One reason might be the different gut bacteria, which have been developed. Breast milk contains leptin, a key hormone that helps regulate appetite and fat storage. Breastfeeding also helps babies develop healthy eating patterns because they only eat until they’ve satisfied their hunger.
Helps in Cognitive Development
Breastfeeding can help your baby become smarter, and they are less likely to develop behavioral problems. It might be because of the bond between you and your child. Breastfeeding allows physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact. The nutrients found in breast milk help too.
Benefits for the Mother
Helps the Uterus Contract
Oxytocin is the hormone, which increases not only throughout pregnancy but also during breastfeeding. This hormone helps drive the process called involution, where your uterus returns to its previous size.
Reduces Disease Risk
Breastfeeding can help you reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and the following diseases:
• High blood pressure• Arthritis
• High blood fats
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
Most health agencies recommend breastfeeding for as long as possible if you can do so. Breast milk has many nutrients that will help your child grow, and breastfeeding will also benefit you. Get your breastfeeding supplies at Rockbrook Village in Nebraska! Contact us today for more information.
