Breastfeeding is a normal and natural process that many women experience. It is not as easy as it looks and can be very challenging for some mothers. Breastfeeding naturally produces soothing hormones which are beneficial for nursing mothers. Their confidence is boosted and there is a calmness in their attitude. Breastfeeding is highly beneficial for mothers as well as the babies. But there are some breastfeeding problems too along with benefits. This whole process has its own pros and cons, even the smoothest processes have some bumps along the road. Sometimes it’s the initial discomfort that you feel and sometimes it’s the baby learning to breastfeed. Lets find out the most important benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
These breastfeeding problems cannot be ignored especially for new moms, and to recognize and fix the problem can be very baffling. That is when lactation consultants come into the picture. They help mothers with the problems that they are having while reminding them of the benefits of breastfeeding.
3 important benefits of breastfeeding
Baby health: Nursing mothers are able to provide the baby with colostrum which is developed in the body after the early days of the delivery. It is full of antibodies that help protect the baby. It is also high in protein and lower in sugar. Breastfed babies are said to have stronger immune systems than babies who drink formula milk, they have less diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, lower rate of ear infections, lower rates of infant mortality, less illness overall and less hospitalization. Breastfeeding provides abundant nutritional components, immune properties and antibodies from the mother to the baby.
Breast fed babies are more likely to become healthier babies with less allergies, eczema or asthma. Lower risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, lower rates of respiratory illness, fewer speech and orthodontic problems and greater immunity to infection.
Healthy Moms: Breastfeeding doesn’t only have a good impact on the baby it is highly beneficial for the mother as well. The physical benefits are that breastfeeding mothers lose weight faster after birth, about an extra 500 calories per day than a normal average person. It stimulates the uterus so that it can return to its normal size, less postpartum bleeding, less chance of anemia and less chance of postpartum depression as it keeps you in a good positive mood.
Breastfeeding is healthy for moms emotionally as well, as it produces soothing hormones and promotes stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother. It increases confidence and self esteem as well. It makes travelling easier as it is always at the right temperature and clean. Breastfeeding helps mothers from ovulating and acts as a natural birth control.
Most breastfeeding moms cite that breastfeeding brings you closer to the baby. Nursing is a special bond that both the baby and the mother share. You can exchange noises, cuddles and communicate with the baby during that time. Also it’s empowering for the mother to see the baby grow up and thrive alone.
Lifelong benefits: Mothers who breastfeed their babies have benefits that last a lifetime some of which are, lower risk of breast cancer, lower risk of ovarian cancer, lower risk of arthritis, less diabetes, less hypertension which decreases blood pressure and less cardiovascular diseases.
Immunity against illness is passed on by the mothers to their babies at the time of breastfeeding, so naturally the protection never stops. It is also proved that immunity proteins and antibodies are also transferred from the mother to the baby to neutralise the bacteria and viruses in the baby’s body.
It may be hard to adapt to the life of a new mom, some mothers feel overwhelmed sometimes but along with the problems that they have to face there are benefits that go a long way.
