There are a number of benefits that breastfeeding has for your baby. However, did you know that it also benefits you, the mom, as well as society? Breastfeeding is something that occurs naturally after nine months of pregnancy. Here is some information that may enlighten you on how breastfeeding benefits more than just your baby!
For Babies:
* Infant formulas have come a long way over the years, but they will never be able to duplicate the beneficial properties found in human breastmilk. When your baby is born, your body initially provides your baby with colostrum. This is a substance that is high in protein, low in fat, and contains high numbers of antibodies. These antibodies are important for your baby in fighting infections, as he has an immature immune system. The colostrum also has a natural laxative effect, making it easier for your baby to pass his first stool, called meconium. Within the first few days after birth, the colostrum is replaced by mature breastmilk, which continues to contain antibodies.
* Your baby is likely to be better protected from ear infections, SIDS, and have less chance of developing allergies and asthma, or becoming obese.
* Breastmilk is always available. It is the right temperature, contains the right combination of nutrients for your growing baby, and is convenient. This can be especially important if your baby has an impatient personality!
* Breastmilk is digested easier than formula is. This should result in less gas in your baby and consequently, a happier baby.
Now, let's discuss the breastfeeding benefits for the mother:
* It is less expensive to breastfeed than it is to buy formula.
* You will save time. Because breastfeeding offers you convenience, you can spend your time doing other things other than cleaning bottles, and making them. Instead, you can spend time doing something that you enjoy such as exercising or even sleeping!
* There is a link between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of cancer of the breasts or ovaries. It is better to breastfeed for as long as you can as this decreases the risks even more.
* Because your body is using up more calories to produce milk, you should notice that you lose weight more easily as you breastfeed your new baby. So enjoy this rare opportunity for the pounds to melt away!
* You will experience a delay in the return of your menstrual cycle. However, it should be noted that you do not want to rely on this as an effective method of birth control, as there are lots of nursing mothers who have become pregnant during this time.
* You may notice that when your baby suckles, that you experience cramps that are similar to those during menstruation. This is your uterus returning to its original size in your abdomen, and allows your body to get back into shape.
How breastfeeding benefits society:
* If babies have better immune systems, then they are less likely to experience illnesses and diseases that result in healthcare visits. As well, as they grow into adults, they are less likely to be reliant on the system for health problems that could have been decreased by breastfeeding when they were babies.
* As people become more comfortable with and learn more about breastfeeding benefits, they are more likely to see its value and encourage and support mothers.
In conclusion, breastfeeding benefits are numerous. They are of benefit to the baby, mom, and to society. Breastfeeding is something that we want to promote to increase the understanding of its true benefits for all.
About the Author:
Kim Allissa loves sharing information on breastfeeding. View her blog, Breastfeeding Baby , for excellent articles on various topics such as engorgement and increasing breastmilk , and much, much more!
Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/health/breastfeeding-benefits-more-than-just-your-baby
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