15 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

You’ve definitely heard the saying, “breast is best,” and while it may be catchy, it’s also true because breastfeeding has several advantages for both mother and child.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

1. Immunity is still alive in breast milk. Breastfeeding provides both instant and lifetime immunizations to a newborn.

2. Your baby will receive the precise nutrition they require from breast milk. Your milk production will change depending on what your kid needs, which is quite incredible. Your baby will convey her wants to your body, and your body will respond by producing the caliber and volume of milk necessary to satisfy those needs.

3. SUDSS risk can be decreased for your infant by breastfeeding (SIDS). While the American Academy of Pediatrics advises moms to breastfeed for at least a year, studies have shown that as little as two months of breastfeeding can reduce the incidence of SIDS by half.

4. Babies that are breastfed can feel close to the “home base” they have known since being conceived. She can move from the inside to the outside world with the aid of your heartbeat and your warm skin.

5. A polyunsaturated fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is present in breast milk, aids in healthy brain development.

6. Middle ear infections in babies can be decreased by breastfeeding.

7. You can lower your baby’s risk of acquiring allergies by breastfeeding.

8. Being breastfed lowers your baby’s risk of acquiring diabetes because breast milk doesn’t include added sugar.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom

Another advantage of breastfeeding for mom is:

1. lowering her potential for osteoporosis

2. lowering her risk of breast cancer

3. lowering her risk of ovarian cancer

4. oxytocin production, which aids in uterine contraction to its pre-pregnancy size

5. utilising mom’s fat reserves and burning calories to produce breast milk

6. reducing the risk of postpartum depression since breastfeeding causes pregnancy hormones to decline gradually rather than suddenly

7. Since breastfeeding is free, you can save money!

Why Breastfeeding Can Be Challenging

Nursing a baby is not always simple. New mothers and newborns can need some time to develop this skill. Because the women in their lives didn’t breastfeed, or because they weren’t exposed to it, many women of childbearing age have never heard of it. And problems will occasionally come up. In the first few weeks, your baby will probably wake up in the middle of the night to eat multiple times a night since you’re worn out and sore after giving birth. The tummy of your infant is about the size of a coin.Over the course of the first few weeks, she requires modest, frequent feedings. A breastfed baby would typically eat eight to twelve times in a day. Even though it could seem like your baby isn’t getting enough milk, a lactation consultant can give you the resources you need to assess how effectively your baby is feeding. Despite what you may believe, you will produce more milk than you expect. It’s crucial to avoid using formula as a substitute for breastfeeding. For the first four to six weeks after giving birth, I advise new mothers to refrain from using bottles, pacifiers, or pumps since they will interfere with the supply and demand-driven system.

When your infant is not latching properly, breastfeeding can also be difficult. Better milk transfer for her and reduced pain and discomfort for you are both benefits of a strong latch. After two weeks of feeding, if your nipple pain persists for more than two minutes into the feeding, seek assistance from a board-certified lactation consultant.

How Can a Partner Support a Breastfeeding Mother?

When a spouse wants to show support, he or she can offer to take care of chores like laundry or making sure mom has food. The other parent has a fantastic chance to spend quality time with the child, for example, by making bath time your special time together. Bonding with the infant is crucial for the non-breastfeeding partner as well.

What If I Don’t Breastfeed?

Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. Due to illness, drug use, breast surgery, or other personal factors, a woman may decide not to breastfeed or be unable to do so. It’s a personal decision whether to breastfeed. Medical professionals have a responsibility to assist new mothers on their journey, whatever it entails. Your body will still make milk if you are unable to breastfeed or would prefer not to, but it should dry up fast. A lactation consultant can explain this procedure to you.

A licensed lactation consultant can give you and your family the clinical direction and support you require if you’ve chosen that nursing is best for you and your family. A support group could also be beneficial. Every Friday, a free breastfeeding class is provided by CentraState Medical Center.

Breastfeeding has several advantages. Be patient and request assistance if you require it. Although it initially requires a lot of labor, the rewards are worthwhile.