Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding is a very special time for both mother and baby and it is good for the health of babies and their mothers as well. Many mothers who breast feed have some ups and downs at the start, and sometimes even after they get going. Don’t give up unless you really want to: there is a lot of help available and most problems can be overcome.
Breast milk is the perfect food for babies. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life and beyond with the addition of complementary solid foods starting at six months of age. Not only does breast milk have the right nutritional balance for your baby, but it also contains growth factors, antibodies, and other mechanisms that protect your baby against infections and other diseases throughout his lifetime.
In most cases, breast milk is the most perfect food for your baby. It contains easily digestible proteins, many factors that support your new baby’s immature immune system, and other factors that aid in digestion. It is also low in cost and requires no preparation. Breast fed babies are also less likely to have colic, upper respiratory infections, ear infections, constipation, asthma or allergies.
We know that breastfed babies have fewer illnesses, infections, allergies, and a lower risk of obesity in their life compared with those who are formula fed. Breastfeeding is convenient and free, and also bonds mothers and babies in a unique way that meets their needs and builds a strong relationship of trust. Human breast milk is recommended as the best milk for all babies — all babies should be breastfed.
Your newborn should be nursing eight to 12 times per day for about the first month. If you feel like you’re feeding your little one more often than someone you know whose baby is formula fed, you may be. Why? Because breast milk digests easier than formula, which means it moves through your baby’s digestive system faster and, therefore, makes your baby hungry more often.
Breastfeeding will also burn up almost 500 calories each day, helping mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner. And it also reduces the mother’s risk for developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer later in life.
Breastmilk is the normal food for your baby.
- It is natural and specially made for your baby.
- There are lots of things in breastmilk that are good for your baby, that are not found in formula milk.
- It is safe for your baby, and easily digested.
- It contains all the food and drink your baby needs for the first six months of life.
- Together with other foods, it is very good for the next six months and into the second year as well.
- It is always ready when your baby needs it.
- Your baby will be less likely to get infections, allergies and many other diseases.
- Your baby may grow and develop better.