benefits of breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding for both the Mother and the Baby

As said by our elders, “A woman gets complete when she becomes a mother”, seemed absurd to me until I became a mother. When you give birth to a life, you yourself develop basic maternal instincts, which helps you to take care of the baby. Naturally and gradually, a bonding is created with your newborn, which I have discussed in my earlier article on “How to create Bonding with newborn baby”. Benefits of breastfeeding are listed below:

breastfeeding newborn

Breastfeeding is one of the most common and simplest methods to build a motherly bond with a baby and here you get a feeling of the entirety. Nursing gives you a natural high, which helps you in bonding, stress relief and makes you happy by providing immense benefits of breastfeeding. I still remember the first feed I gave her, I was overwhelmed with that immense feel which cannot be expressed in words. It gives your baby nourishment and is beneficial for both of you in several ways.

Why was Mom right about benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a big responsibility, and only a mother can take this responsibility. A woman has a superpower to create milk. Breastfeeding is the best gift which a mother can give to her child. Mother’s milk is love turned into food – love in every drop. Breastfeeding might not be the right choice for every parent, but it is always the right food for a baby.

Many myths are connected with the breastfeeding, which you should not trust. Just focus on your and your babies’ nutrition needs and give it a right start.

Before we discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, let’s read about ‘Breast-milk – an ideal food’.

Helpful Breastfeeding Tips

Why is Breast-milk an ideal food?

Breast-milk is the ideal food for your baby which contains all necessary nutrients which a baby needs for his growth and development – calcium, protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. During the first six months, babies grow more rapidly. So, it is advisable to feed your baby with breast-milk for first six months.

When I came to know about exclusive breastfeeding for first six months, I was bit afraid. How will I manage, whether I’ll be able to produce enough milk, will my baby feel satisfied and the list goes on. You must be thinking the same way, but trust me Breastfeeding is 90% determination and 10% milk production.

It is just about your wellness. To have plenty of milk for your baby, you need to stay relaxed, eat a well-balanced diet and drink enough fluids.

During the first 72 hours after delivery, the breasts produce colostrum – a thin, yellow fluid made up of protein, water, and minerals. It contains antibodies which protect your baby against respiratory and intestinal infections. Antibodies from the colostrum enter the bloodstream of your baby which gives protection against infections.

Then your breasts start producing milk: Foremilk – thin, watery and thirst-quenching and then Hindmilk – rich in fat and protein. The more your baby will suck, the more your breasts will produce milk. You supply what your baby needs, so don’t worry that you will run out of milk.

How will these Breastfeeding Tips help you to live a better life?

benefits of breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

  • Breastfed babies tend to suffer less from gastroenteritis and chest infections.
  • Less intestinal upsets during initial days.
  • Breastmilk is easily digested, so no constipation.
  • Less prone to ammoniacal nappy rash too.
  • Breastfed babies sleep longer.
  • Stool smells less unpleasant.
  • Lower risk of allergies and obesity.
  • Builds stronger immunity.
  • Protected against respiratory infections.
  • Lower risk of tooth decay.
  • Optimal oral development due to jaw movements.
  • It is a path to optimal brain development.

Initially, it might be difficult to feed baby regularly but after few weeks, it will be easy and you will feel sorry for the mothers who do not breastfeed. You can have a look at Helpful Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers”.

bonding with a newborn baby

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

  • Decreases breast cancer, ovarian and uterine cancer risks.
  • Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Burns extra calories.
  • Breastfeeding helps you lose extra weight gained during pregnancy.
  • Encourages the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant state.
  • Can also provide up to 90% effective contraception.
  • Breastfeeding releases the oxytocin – the love hormone and prolactin, hormones that help to reduce stress and gives relaxation.
  • It’s free and you are the only producer of this nutrition package exclusively for your baby, making you the wonder woman.
  • Saves time and environment-friendly – no bottle warming during midnight, not to worry about the temperature of the milk or any waste.

Have more tips to add that worked for you and your baby? Please share with us in the comments section below if this article on benefits of breastfeeding motivated you to breastfeed your baby.

Wish you Happy Parenting and Healthy Breastfeeding!

Divya

Divya is a writer, who loves to read and write. She is a Company Secretary by profession. She is passionate about art, reading, writing, music, and creativity. She loves to do research on ‘Parenting’ and discover new things now and then. Her passion about positive parenting pushed her to write on ‘Wonder Parenting’. Her loving daughter, Vachie, helped her to dig deep and reach new heights on Parenting. She believes that ‘Parenting is Patience’ and shares her own journey to express that parenting approach differs for every individual.
Simple Living High Parenting!

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