What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding occurs when your baby sucks milk from your nipples produced by your mammary glands. In general, breastfeeding is seen as a safe and healthy way to feed your newborn. Breast milk contains the fat, sugar, water, protein, and minerals your baby needs for healthy growth and development. Therefore, there are many benefits of breastfeeding. Your breast milk adapts as your baby grows to fulfil its changing nutrient requirements. 

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing allergies, asthma, diabetes, ear infections, diarrhea, and SIDS. The longer you breastfeed, the more health problems the baby will be shielded from.

Additionally, breastfeeding can lower your risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cancers. It can help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduce postpartum bleeding.1

What are the advantages of breastfeeding? 

If you're considering not breastfeeding your baby, you'll probably be bombarded with information. Although it is a choice that only you can make, the advantages seem limitless. The nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop are in breast milk. It has a unique combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Consider all the advantages for you and your baby before deciding (or if you need confirmation that breastfeeding is the best option for you).

Breastfeeding has numerous immediate and long-term health advantages for both mother and child. The following are some advantages of breastfeeding for babies:

• Reduces infections - Breastfed newborns had a lower risk of developing childhood infections such as ear, respiratory, and gut infections and colds.

• Better immunity against viruses and bacteria - Breast milk contains immunoglobulins and antibodies derived from the mother. These proteins support the infant's immune system's growth and aid in self-defence.

• Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - Breastfed infants are less likely to die from SIDS in their first month and first year of life.

• A healthier weight - Breastfed children may have a lower rate of childhood obesity than formula-fed children.

• Lower risk of diabetes - The risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is less in breastfed children.

• Satisfying changing nutritional needs - Babies need varied amounts of nutrition at various times during their first year. A mother's milk production will naturally change depending on the baby's needs.

Breastfeeding has benefits that extend beyond the baby. Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for women. These advantages include:

• Improved recovery - Oxytocin levels rise during breastfeeding. This hormone may help to make uterine contractions stronger. Additionally, it will assist the uterus in shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size.

• Losing pregnancy weight faster - Postpartum weight loss may be greater for people who exclusively breastfeed than those who do not.

• Reduced risk of depression - Mothers who breastfeed babies may experience less postpartum depression.

• Lower risk of some cancers - A mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer decreases with the amount of time she breastfeeds her baby.2

Long-term health benefits of breastfeeding:

You can benefit from breastfeeding in many ways. It lowers the risk of developing several diseases and conditions, including:

• Breast and ovarian cancer

• Endometrial cancer

• Thyroid cancer

• Osteoporosis

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular conditions, including excessive cholesterol and blood pressure

What are the benefits of breast milk?

Breast milk has many benefits, including the following:

• It is easier to digest for the developing stomach and intestines of your baby

• It has antibodies that promote immunity and fight disease.

• It contains the ideal ratios of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins for your baby's development.

• It promotes healthy weight gain in infants.

• It changes as your baby grows to meet their nutritional needs.

• It has substances that are soothing to your infant naturally.

Are breastfed babies more intelligent? 

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has a long-term beneficial impact on brain development and behaviour. However, no research has been done to demonstrate that a breastfed baby is smarter than a baby who is formula fed. Formula feeding is a healthy and effective method to support your baby's growth and development.3

Why is breast milk better than formula? 

If a woman prefers formula or uses it for medical reasons, it is a nourishing substitute for breast milk. The formula contains many vitamins, minerals, protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, yet it does not exactly replicate natural breast milk. Your baby will require these nutrients to grow and thrive. 

Formula-using mothers can be sure that their newborns are well-fed. The formula takes longer for the baby's body to digest than breast milk does. Infant formula, however, lacks the natural antibodies found in breast milk, which give your baby better protection against disease and infection. 4 5

Is breastfeeding for three months good enough?

However, doctors advise using breast milk for the first six months of your child's life, either through breastfeeding or by pumping your milk and using a bottle. However long you choose to breastfeed your baby, the decision is entirely yours. If possible, continue to feed your baby breast milk throughout the first year of life while introducing new foods to their diet. After then, your child will switch to a diet consisting of solid meals and the advantages will become less relevant. You must always act in your own best interests.

While some mothers find breastfeeding enjoyable and comfortable to continue through their baby's first birthday, others find it challenging. Other new mothers might be prepared to discontinue breastfeeding sooner. Do not forget the importance of the first six months, and talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of your breastfeeding timeline.6

Are breastfed babies healthier?

Most doctors advise breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months, if not longer. Everything a newborn needs in the ideal amounts for the first six months of life is in breast milk. Especially throughout the first month, its composition changes in response to the baby's shifting needs. According to research, breastfeeding can boost a baby's resistance to infections, pneumonia, and other illnesses.

Colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid, is produced by your breasts in the first few days following the baby's birth. It has a lot of healthy components and is rich in protein and low in sugar. It is packed with antibodies (IgA) that aid in the defence against bacteria and viruses. It is a wonder food that you can't substitute with a formula! 

 Colostrum is an excellent first milk that aids in the development of the developing baby's digestive system. After a few days, the breasts start to produce more milk as the baby's stomach expands. Your miracle milk production might merely be deficient in vitamin D. Breast milk won't suffice unless you have a high intake (which most of us don't). Consequently, vitamin D drops are frequently recommended.7

What is the importance of a mother feeding her baby?

Breastfeeding allows mothers and babies to bond through skin-to-skin contact. According to several experts, affectionate bonding during the early years of life help reduces social and behavioural issues in children and adults. After birth, keeping your baby with you promotes a sense of attachment and generates an important hormonal response linked to successful breastfeeding. You must be exceedingly patient and find the proper position and connection. You can produce enough milk for your baby with regular and efficient feedings and feed the infant as needed. You and your child must both learn how to breastfeed at the same time. You two might need some time to adjust to it.

Your baby may not be latching onto the breast properly if you find it difficult to nurse or if they don't seem satisfied after feedings. Because your baby is not properly positioned and attached to the breast, you may experience sore nipples. Please do not feel hesitant to ask for assistance because struggling through it could reduce the pain and discomfort.8

Takeaway 

How to feed your baby? It is one of the many decisions you'll have to make as a parent. Before making a choice, spend some time learning about the advantages of breastfeeding. There are many mental, physical, and medical advantages of breastfeeding. Additionally, it gives your baby all the vitamins, nutrients, and antibodies needed for the development of a strong immune system. Breastmilk is also easily digestible by your baby. You can attempt a variety of breastfeeding options. If you don't think breastfeeding will be successful for you or if you are unable to breastfeed, there are still excellent formula options available.9

References

1,4 -  Feeding Your Newborn; From Planned Parenthood

(https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/feeding-your-newborn). Retrieved on 15.01.2023

2,5 - Guide to Breastfeeding: Benefits, How to, Diet, and More; From Healthline

(https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/breastfeeding). Retrieved on 15.01.2023

3,9 - Benefits of Breastfeeding; From Cleveland Clinic

(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-benefits-of-breastfeeding). Retrieved on 15.01.2023

6 - Breastfeeding; From Cleveland Clinic

(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5182-breastfeeding). Retrieved on 15.01.2023

7 - 11 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both Mom and Baby; From Healthline

(https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/11-benefits-of-breastfeeding). Retrieved on 15.01.2023

8 - Common breastfeeding problems; From NHS UK

(https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/common-problems/). Retrieved on 21.02.2023