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Research has proven time and time again that breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant. Full of nutrients and antibodies to help a growing baby thrive, it’s no wonder that many new mothers choose to breastfeed their little ones.
With that said, there are a wealth of benefits for mom, too. From weight loss to natural birth control and more, breastfeeding provides unparalleled benefits for both baby and mom. Read on to learn more benefits of breastfeeding for parent and child.
1. Breast milk Contains Antibodies to Protect Your Baby’s Health
Colostrum (pre-milk that comes in before breast milk) and breast milk are full of antibodies that protect your baby’s health. These antibodies strengthen a child’s immune system to fight off things like viruses, ear infections, and respiratory infections.
Even the best baby formula can’t provide that kind of protection. Research shows that formula-fed babies are more prone to lower respiratory illnesses and ear infections than their breastfed counterparts. Of course, formula-fed babies can be happy and healthy, and there should be no stigma around this subject. However, if possible, breast milk is ideal.
2. Breastfeeding May Lower Mom’s Risk of Certain Cancers
The health benefits of breastfeeding don’t stop with your baby. Mom also receives health benefits from breastfeeding her little one. Studies conducted on the subject suggest that breastfeeding a baby may reduce the mother’s risk of getting ovarian or breast cancer. Breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even arthritis.
3. Breast milk is Easily Digestible
The proteins in breast milk are easier to digest than the proteins in manufactured baby formula. This means there is less stomach upset, diarrhea, and/or constipation with breastfeeding than with formula feeding. Also, your baby will experience fewer spit-up issues as well. Because breast milk breaks down so easily in your baby’s system, they will need to eat often, but you can rest assured they’re getting all the nutrients they need in the gentlest way possible.
4. Nursing Moms Lose Weight Faster
Your body works hard to produce enough breast milk to keep up with your little one’s demands, which burns calories quickly. A woman’s body burns roughly 300-500 calories a day with milk production, which can help you lose the baby weight quickly and naturally. Further, breastfeeding triggers the uterus to return to its pre-baby size and shape.
5. Breastfeeding is Reassuring and Comforting for Baby
While bottle-fed infants and mothers form close bonds during feeding time, the skin-to-skin contact from breastfeeding is extra reassuring and comforting for babies.
6. Nursing Your Baby May Delay Your Period and Provide a Level of Natural Birth Control
Solely breastfeeding your baby (no bottles or formula in between) can result in delayed ovulation, which means no period. Your period will return eventually as your prolactin levels drop, but you could be menstruation-free for up to a year if you breastfeed exclusively.
With the delay in ovulation comes a level of natural birth control. While not as effective as other forms of contraception, exclusively breastfeeding your baby, especially at night, can delay ovulation and prevent pregnancy. If you rely on this form of birth control, be sure you don’t miss any nighttime feedings, as extended periods between feedings can cause ovulation to return.
Breastfeeding is the most natural and beneficial method for feeding your baby. Of course, bottle feeding and formula feeding are great options. However, if you wish to reap the amazing benefits listed above for you and your baby, you should seriously consider breastfeeding your little one. The physical and emotional joys are unparalleled.
