Breast Feeding
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Deciding to breast feed your new born baby can mean better health for your child and you both now and later on. Breastfeeding has many benefits for babies and their mothers and it is possible for you to breastfeed anywhere without heating up bottles or worrying about sterilising equipment. Breast milk provides all the nourishment your baby wants for the first six months of his life, reduces his chances of developing infections like ailments and gastroenteritis like eczema and respiratory infections. It may also lower his risk of developing childhood leukaemia and reduce your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Infant formula can never duplicate the ideal composition of breast milk. Most formulas are made from cow’s milk and don't comprise the immunity- boosting antibodies that are found in breast milk.
One significant advantage is that breast milk is always ready, is the perfect temperature and changes to meet with baby’s needs. In cold climates, human milk contains more fat, whereas in warm climates, more water. In some situation, a medical professional might advises you to give oral rehydration therapy or additional fluids. However, for mild illnesses, breast milk is good. If your infant is premature, or unwell and in hospital ( for instance, in the neonatal component or special care baby unit), breast milk is still best for your own baby. You may be requested to express some milk and can be shown how to try this.
Helps With Bonding
- The skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeds gives you a physical connection with your baby and stimulates hormones that help with breastfeeding. It also provides protection, warmth and comfort for babies. Skin-to-skin encourages a growing affection between the two of you that will continue to play an important role in your infant’s growth for a long time. When you breastfeed your infant, you’re guaranteed to hold your infant close regularly. Your infant will react to the heat of your touch.
How Does Breastfeeding Help Your Baby?
- Human milk contains enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. These play a critical role that cannot be duplicated. Medical benefits of breastfeeding for infants contain less risk of:
- Stomach upsets
- Ear infections
- Eczema and Asthma
- High blood pressure later in life
Breastfed Babies Also Have:
- Better mouth growth.
- Straighter teeth and mouth formation
Advantage For Mum:
Post birth:
- Breastfeeding helps the womb to contract and return to normal. So, postnatal blood loss is decreased by breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can assist you to lose pregnancy weight faster
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight quicker
Long term: Girls who breastfeed may have less risk of:
- Developing breast and Ovarian cancer
- Developing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Back to Breast Feeding Information