6 Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Baby

Breastfeeding or nursing a child means that your child is fed directly from the breasts. While breastfeeding is a personal decision, you should be aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that a child be breastfed primarily for 6 months. After 6 months, mothers can continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years. It is mainly because the health benefits of breastfeeding for both child and mother are key for healthy development and recovery, respectively.

Breastfeeding For Baby

There aremanybenefits of breast milk for babies. From better nutrition to building immunity, read to know a few crucial advantages of breastfeeding for baby.

# Gives Adequate Nutrition To Kids

The main benefits of breastfeeding lie in the nutritional value of breast milk. No wonder doctors recommend mothers to breastfeed infants until the age of six months exclusively! Your breastmilk contains all essential nutrients required for your baby, which also change according to the growing needs of your child.

Immediately after you give birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick and yellow color fluid called colostrum is produced. It is rich in proteins and vitamins A, K and B12 with less sugar and fat in its composition. It is also known as wonder food or superfood for your baby.Colostrum is the first milk that your breasts produce and can be easily digested by your baby’s stomach. As your baby grows and requires more milk, your milk supply increases naturally, too. You must know the importance of breastfeeding so that your baby is not deprived of essential nutrients during his or her growth phase.

# Helps Fight Infections By Improving Immunity

The other reason for the importance of breastfeeding for the baby isthat this leads to its healthy development and immunity. Breastfeeding protects your baby from all kinds of gut-related disorders as breast milk is easily digestible. Even the incidence of respiratory and ear infections is less in breastfed babies. Breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of skin allergies and diabetes in kids.

One of the most notable advantages of breastfeeding is that breast milk is packed with antibodies. They help build the baby’s immunity by fighting against different infectious microorganisms. The formula doesn’t provide this benefit and can leave the child vulnerable to infections. Colostrum is a key part of this benefit. It is rich in immunoglobulin A. This antibody protects your baby by forming a shield in the digestive system, nose, and throat of the baby.

# Increases The Weight of Babies

Studies also reveal additional weight gain-related benefits of breastfeeding for babies. Infants who are breastfed gain healthy weight without being obese. This is one of the key advantages of breastfeeding. The main reason for healthy weight gain could be the production of different beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria prevent the storage of fat in the body. Another reason is the presence of leptin in breastfed babies. The leptin hormone plays a vital role in body metabolism and fat storage.

Benefits of Breastfeeding For Mothers

The importance of breastfeeding is not only limited to babies but also includes mothers. There are numerousbreastfeeding benefits for a mother’s health. A few benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are as follows.

# Helps You Shed Your Weight Easily

One of the most important benefits is that it helps you lose weight effortlessly. Research reveals breastfeeding moms burn more calories than non-lactating mothers [4]. When you produce breast milk, your body burns approximately 300-500 calories daily. This way, lactating mothers healthily lose their pregnancy weight. Consider the importance of breastfeeding in this way – you no longer need to follow any more fad diets to get back to your original weight before pregnancy!

# Shrinks your Uterus Faster

Another aspect of the many benefits of breastfeeding is that it helps the uterus contract faster. During pregnancy, the uterus expands in size to accommodate the growing fetus. Post-delivery, the act of breastfeeding is said to stimulate the uterus to contract back to its original size. This is due to oxytocin, a hormone that aids in uterus contraction. Oxytocin is produced abundantly in breastfeeding mothers.

# Minimizes Postpartum Depression Problems

This is one of the vital advantages of breastfeeding for mothers. Postpartum depression, which is quite a common post-childbirth, is minimal in women who breastfeed. This condition results in increased anxiety, guilt, and emotional instability among mothers. When you breastfeed, there is a sense of fulfillment within you. It can enhance your mood and instills positive thoughts. This reduces your risk of postpartum depression, which may occur anywhere from the first month to 12 months post delivery.