Breastfeeding is one of the best natural things which is benefiting not just for the baby but the mother too. There are plenty of breastfeeding benefits which I am going to be sharing in this article.
Breastfeeding basically relates to when you are feeding your baby breast milk. You can also call it as nursing.
While it is definitely a very personal decision you are taking on. But it really matters if you are able to know all the benefits of it.
There are so many ways in which breastfeeding is going to be making a difference.
Things like how often you are breastfeeding and how long should these feedings be.
All of this information plays a major role, allowing you to know the complete overview on how breastfeeding is definitely going to be making a major impact to the health of the baby.
So let’s begin:
Breastfeeding Benefits
There are so many ways in which breastfeeding benefits completely stand out.
It is never too late to start thinking about how the way you are feeding your baby is going to be making a difference.
Having this information before hand is definitely going to be making a difference. Now I want to share some of the best ways in which breastfeeding is going to be helping your health.
It actually consist of high levels of nutrition. This is why breastfeeding at least in the first 6 months of their life is so important.
The composition also changes as the baby grows.
But in the very first days, the baby should be getting good amounts of breast milk.
In the beginning the milk is actually of a thick and yellowish color. This is called colostrum.
This milk is really high in protein and it is low in sugar. Also it consists of a range of beneficial compounds.
This is what doctors call as a wonder food because it has so many amazing benefits in it.
Antibodies Boost
Another really important aspect of breastfeeding is that it consists of a range of antibodies.
This is really important as it is going to be fighting off any kind of viruses and bacteria.
It is extremely crucial for your health. And allows you to have high levels of immunoglobin.
Its amazing how if you are in exposure to certain kinds of bacteria, it allows you to start producing antibodies too. And this will be going directly into the milk.
This leads to and gives a major immunity boost to the baby.
While formula does consist of a range of nutrients, the fact is that a mother’s breastmilk is actually going to give an antibody protection.
Having this allows you to remain protected and secure from different ailments including diarrhea and infection.
Promoting Healthy Weight
The best thing about breastfeeding is that it is going to be promoting a healthy weight.
This is also really impactful when it comes to controlling obesity.
There have been several research done which suggests that if a baby is getting breastmilk for more than 4 months then it means they will be having a higher chance of not becoming overweight.
Knowing this is a major discovery. It is because of the development of different gut bacteria.
As you know that breastfed babies actually consist of really high amounts of fat storage.
This plays a major role in allowing you to have a good handle on your health. And of course that of the baby’s as well.
Having to breastfeed also means you are self-regulating the milk intake. It is an essential element that allows you to satisfy your hunger.
Whereas it also aims at and creates really healthy eating patterns.
Making Children Smarter
One of the major things about and is a leading breastfeeding benefits is that it definitely gives a boost to a baby’s brain development.
This kind of major boost comes from not just the nutrient content but also relates to what you get through physical intimacy as well as touch and eye contact.
All of this leads to major results of strong cognitive development and a health boost.
Research and studies have determined that it is indeed one of the leading reasons why it matters to have proper breastfeeding done.
How Breastfeeding Helps the Mother
Breastfeeding benefits to the mother are many as well. For one thing it definitely is a major way in which you will be losing weight.
This is because breastfeeding does lead to you burning calories.
And this is especially during the first 3 months. Lactating mothers will definitely be needing to consume healthy food to make up for all the weight they are losing.
Also breastfeeding benefits the uterus to contract also. This is because in your pregnancy the uterus actually grows a major size.
It is like it is expanding from that of the size of a pear and it is actually filling the whole space in the abdomen.
So after the delivery, the uterus is actually going through a process which is known as involution. And this is what helps the uterus to come back to its original shape.
Oxytocin is a major hormone that helps and aims to drive and bring this process up to speed.
If you are breastfeeding mom, you will notice that there is less blood loss and you will also be getting to involution of the uterus.
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Impact on Depression
Another major thing is that it is going to be helping to combat the depression.
Postpartum depression is real.
It can happen to many mothers and it does.
Women who are breastfeeding are less likely to go through that phase.
Again this is from knowing the numbers and understanding the statistics.
In case you are going through certain symptoms, it is best that you share the same with your doctor.
When you do this, it will aim to make you healthier.
There are several different kinds of symptoms a person may be going through. You should be able to identify them, knowing the results.
Does It Become a Birth Control?
While there are so many breastfeeding benefits, one thing people swear by is that it actually acts as a major birth control method.
While it is going to be pausing how ovulation and menstruation happens.
This also means that the suspension of menstrual cycles means that you are able to have time to control the process of getting pregnant again.
It actually serves as a major benefit for you.
Also when talking about breastfeeding, overall it works great as it is saving you time and money.
How?
Because it is a natural process. So you don’t have to go through the process of buying expensive formulas and feeders.
However in some cases, you will be needing to take on lactation consultants as well as breast pumps.
These help you breastfeed in a far more natural way.
Position for Breastfeeding
So when you think of ways breastfeeding is done, there are actually a few positions which stand out.
This is because they make you and the baby far more comfortable and relaxed.
And this is not going to be straining to hold on for nursing.
Now let me share some of the most common and well-known positions:
Cradle Position
In this one the baby’s head is resting in the crook of the elbow. It is where the baby’s belly is going to be against your body.
Football Position
This is the position which is in line with your baby’s back and it is along the forearm. So it seems like you are holding the baby like you hold a football.
Side-Lying Position
In this position you are most comfortable when going for night feedings.
It also is an essential way to take care of how yourself after a surgery like an episiotomy.
It is when an incision is done so as to widen your vagina for the delivery.
Cross-Cradle
So in this position you will be actually sitting straight in a very comfortable chair. You hold the baby in the crook of your arm.
And you feed them comfortably in that position.
It also allows you to support their head properly and you make use of your hand to cup the breast using a U-shaped hold.
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Takeaway
So there you have it . Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.
While it is definitely a very private matter. And there are many reasons why someone would choose formula over breastfeeding, it is important to respect that.
We should not be making any judgments on that.
However in this article, I wanted to share the details on breastfeeding benefits.
Knowing so allows you to make an informed decision on whether you should be taking on this or not.
All the ways in which breastfeeding makes your baby healthy and supple are looked into.
This in itself is a major way for you to ensure that you are keeping the healthy of the baby. As well as that of yourself in key focus.
