Understanding the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has come to be almost political in some areas. While I agree that in 99% of the cases breastfeeding is the better option, I also believe it is a personal decision. The information provided here will help you to understand the benefits of breastfeeding your bundle of love, and enable you to make the best decision for you.
Benefits to Your Baby
Not only does breastfeeding build an invaluable bond between you and your baby, but it will continue to benefit them throughout life. Studies have shown that kids who were breastfed score a great deal higher on intelligence tests. Your breast milk aids in the development of your baby’s mind.
Breast milk is different from person to person. You will produce milk that is specifically made for your baby! The environment that you are exposed to on a daily basis affects it. Antibodies that your body has built up for you will be passed onto your baby, therefore protecting them against the primary threats that surround you.
Hospitals will confirm that breastfed babies do not get sick as often as those who are not breastfed. This is mainly because of the antibodies they receive from you.
Babies are never allergic to their mothers’ milk. You will never have to worry about a formula that does not suit them. However, it is possible for them to have an allergic reaction to something that you ate, and in turn passed to them. This is easily fixed by identifying the food or substance and eliminating it from your diet while you continue to breastfeed.
Benefits to You
• Reduced risk of developing perimenopausal breast cancer.
• Reduced risk of ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
• Less expensive than buying formula.
• No mixing formula, or midnight runs to the store.
• Uterus will return to normal quicker.
• Losing some of that pregnancy weight easier.
• Slower return of your menstrual cycle
While it is clear that breastfeeding is the best option for you baby, there are a few cases where it isn’t. If you are HIV positive then of course, you should not breastfeed.
If you work full time away from the house you may believe you are not able to breastfeed. Truth be told, you can! It may take a little more planning on your part. You can give their first feeding of the day yourself, and use a breast pump to get milk ready for them while you are away.
If this is the case you will want to choose a bottle that has a lifelike nipple. There are several on the market, and your doctor or midwife should be able to point you in the right direction.
There really is no argument that breastfeeding is the best for your little one, but only you can decide what will work for you. If you don’t feel you will not be able to exclusively breastfeed, it would be beneficial for your baby to receive at lease some breast milk. Some is better than none!
