Health benefits of breastfeeding
Many medical professionals including the American Academy of Pediatrics advise breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their babies for at least six months because of the many health benefits their babies will get from breastmilk. Breastfeeding gives some health benefits to breastfeeding mothers. Breast milk is very nutritious. It contains disease-resistant substances that attack germs and foreign bodies in the child’s body. Besides, breast milk is rich in vitamins. Here are some of the health benefits of breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding fights diseases
The child’s immune system has not become functionally active. Breast milk contains enough disease-fighting substances such as secretory immunoglobulin A that are contained in a large amount in the first breast milk produced several weeks after birth (colostrum). Secretory Immunoglobulin A acts as the child’s immune system and keeps the child safe from germs and diseases. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed are less likely to contract diseases such as meningitis, ear infections, lower respiratory tract diseases, stomach viruses, etc. compared to babies who are not breastfed or are not breastfed enough.
Breastfeeding promotes cognitive development
The results of several studies conducted on the relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development have demonstrated that babies who were exclusively breastfed (without including any other foods) experienced more enhanced cognitive development than other babies fed other foods such as infant formula. Breast milk contains enough fatty acids that, according to medical experts, promote cognitive development.
Breast milk prevents SID and other health conditions
SID is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It has been discovered through various studies that exclusive or partial breastfeeding helps reduce SID. It is also believed that breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of cancer and diabetes. However, more studies are needed in order to establish this fact beyond a reasonable doubt.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity
Obesity or being overweight is now increasing even among children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their babies because it reduces the risk of childhood obesity. Studies have been conducted on the relationship between obesity and breastfeeding and it has been discovered that children who are breastfed are less likely to be obese or overweight at a later age.
Benefits of breastfeeding for a nursing mother
Some of the benefits that you will reap from breastfeeding include the following.
Weight loss during pregnancy
Breastfeeding is a real way by which you can lose weight during pregnancy easily and quickly. This is because it helps you burn calories quickly. Besides, breast milk also contains fat. While feeding, your baby takes in some of the fat stored in your body. Oxytocin, a hormone that helps return the uterus to its normal size before pregnancy, is more secreted during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding reduces uterine bleeding
Many experts recommend breastfeeding as a real way to reduce postpartum uterine bleeding.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of cancer
Based on studies, breastfeeding will help you reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer. However, more studies are needed in order to explain how breastfeeding helps reduce cancer risks.
