If you're thinking about not nursing your new baby, you've undoubtedly been bombarded with information. It's a personal decision that only you can make, yet the rewards appear limitless.
Before you decide (or if you just need confirmation that breast milk is the correct decision for you), consider all of the advantages for both you and your baby.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrients for newborns. It has an adequate number of nutrients, is easily digestible, and is widely available.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continuing even when solid meals are given, until the infant is at least 1 year old unless both mom and baby want to stop.
Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) until a child is two years old or older since the advantages last that long. For the greatest advantages, these organizations recommend starting as soon as one hour after delivery.
These recommendations are not made lightly, as you will see.
Here are 11 scientifically proven nursing advantages that will help both you and your child.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE BABY?
1. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients for newborns
Most doctors urge exclusively nursing for at least 6 months, if not much longer.
Breast milk supplies everything a newborn requires for the first six months of life, in just the appropriate amounts. Its composition fluctuates in response to the baby's changing demands, particularly during the first month of life.
During the first few days after delivery, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid. It's high in protein, low in sugar, and packed with antioxidants. It is certainly a miracle food that cannot be replaced by a formula.
Colostrum is an excellent first milk that aids the development of the newborn's underdeveloped digestive tract. As the baby's tummy expands, the breasts begin to produce more milk after a few days.
The only thing your miracle milk production may be lacking is vitamin D.
Unless you consume a large amount (which most of us do not), breast milk will not suffice. Vitamin D drops are commonly prescribed.
2. Important antibodies are found in breast milk
Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and germs, which is especially important during the vulnerable early months.
This is especially true for colostrum, or first milk. Colostrum has a high concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) as well as various other antibodies.
When you are exposed to viruses or bacteria, you begin to produce antibodies, which subsequently enter the milk. It's all about immunity, sweetheart!
IgA keeps the newborn healthy by producing a protective barrier in the nose, throat, and digestive tract.
Babies do not receive antibody protection from formula. Numerous studies demonstrate that breastfed newborns are more sensitive to health problems such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.
3. Breastfeeding may lower the risk of sickness
Exclusive nursing, in which the newborn solely receives breast milk, is especially helpful.
It may lower your baby's risk of a variety of illnesses and disorders, including:
Middle ear infections: Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding for as long as feasible, may protect against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections much beyond infancy.
Respiratory tract infections: Breastfeeding can protect against a variety of acute respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
Infections and colds: Babies who have been exclusively breastfed for 6 months may be less susceptible to major colds and ear or throat infections.
Gut infections: Breastfeeding has been related to a decrease in gastrointestinal infections.
Diabetes: Breastfeeding has been associated to a lower risk of acquiring type 1 diabetes and non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2).
Childhood leukemia: Breastfeeding has been related to a lower incidence of pediatric leukemia.
Intestinal tissue damage: Breast-feeding preterm neonates has been associated to a lower risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Breastfeeding has been related to a lower risk of SIDS, especially when done exclusively.
Allergic diseases: Breastfeeding has been related to a lower risk of developing asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.
Bowel diseases: Breastfed babies are less prone to develop Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
4. Breast milk promotes a healthy weight for the baby
Breastfeeding encourages healthy weight growth and aids in the prevention of juvenile obesity.
According to one study, breastfeeding for more than 4 months reduced the risks of an infant being overweight or obese.
This might be linked to the growth of certain intestinal flora. Breastfed newborns have more good gut flora, which may influence fat storage.
Breast-fed newborns have more leptin in their bodies than formula-fed babies. Leptin is an important hormone in the regulation of hunger and fat accumulation.
Breastfed newborns self-regulate their milk intake as well. They are better at eating only until they are full, which aids in the development of good eating habits.
5. Breastfeeding may improve children's intelligence
Breastfeeding may assist the infant in passing such exams. Some research imply that breastfed and formula-fed newborns grow their brains differently.
This distinction might be attributed to the physical closeness, touch, and eye contact involved with nursing, as well as nutrient content.
Breastfed newborns had higher IQ ratings and are less likely to have behavioral issues or learning challenges as they grow older, according to studies.
The most obvious consequences, however, are evident in premature newborns, who are at a higher risk of developmental difficulties.
Breastfeeding has a considerable favorable influence on newborns' long-term brain development, according to the research.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE MOTHER?
1. Breastfeeding may aid with weight loss
You've probably heard this one before. While some women appear to gain weight while breastfeeding, others appear to lose weight simply.
Breastfeeding burns more calories than non-lactating women, and after 3 months of breastfeeding, you'll likely see an increase in fat burning. However, the change is insignificant.
2. Breastfeeding promotes uterine contraction
During pregnancy, your uterus expands enormously, from the size of a pear to nearly occupying the whole area of your abdomen.
Following birth, your uterus undergoes a process known as involution, which allows it to recover to its original size. This process is aided by oxytocin, a hormone that rises during pregnancy.
During labor, your body secretes large levels of oxytocin to aid in the delivery of the baby and to decrease bleeding. It can also assist you in bonding with your new child.
During nursing, oxytocin levels rise as well. It promotes uterine contractions and decreases bleeding, allowing the uterus to recover to its original size.
Breastfeeding women have reduced blood loss after birth and quicker uterine involution, according to studies.
3. Breastfeeding mothers have a decreased risk of depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a kind of depression that can occur soon after giving birth.
According to a 2012 research, women who breastfeed appear to be less likely to suffer postpartum depression than moms who wean early or do not nurse.
Those who have postpartum depression soon after birth, on the other hand, are more likely to have difficulty nursing and to do so for a shorter period of time.
Inform your doctor as soon as you notice any PPD symptoms.
4. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of sickness
Breastfeeding appears to offer long-term protection against cancer and other disorders.
The amount of time a woman spends nursing is associated with a lower incidence of breast and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding mothers have a decreased risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Elevated blood fats
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
5. Breastfeeding may help to avoid menstruation
Breastfeeding also prevents ovulation and menstruation. Nature's technique of guaranteeing some interval between pregnancies may be the cessation of menstrual periods.
This alteration may be viewed as an added benefit. It's simply one less thing to think about when you're spending quality time with your infant.
6. It saves both money and time.
Breastfeeding is the most affordable option, barring the cost of lactation consultation and breast pumps. By deciding to breastfeed, you won’t have to:
- Invest in a formula
- Calculate how much your kid needs to drink every day
- Spend time washing and sterilizing bottles
- In the middle of the night, combine and warm up bottles (or day)
- Find methods to warm bottles while on the run
Breast milk is always at the proper temperature and ready for consumption.
CONCLUSION
Breastfeeding has so many advantages that most health organizations suggest it for everyone for as long as feasible, excluding medical conditions that preclude it.
Breast milk includes antibodies and other components that protect your baby against sickness and chronic disease. If you're able, it's the best start you can provide.
Plus, we can't ignore the significant advantages for your health and convenience.
Whatever decision you choose, your healthcare team can lead you to the best treatments and options. You can do it.