Benefits of Breastfeeding

While formula may be a vital alternative for some, there is no denying that breastfeeding provides the most benefits to baby and mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “Breastfeeding is important for optimal infant and child health.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Breastfeeding is the ideal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.” Before your baby is born it is important to explore the option of breastfeeding and why “breast is best.”

Breast milk is known to have the perfect amounts of fat, sugar, water, and protein that each baby needs for optimal development. The milk changes as your baby does, to provide all of the nutritional elements needed at each stage of growth. After your baby is born, your body signals your breasts to begin making milk. This first milk, called colostrum, is low in fat and high in protein and carbohydrates. Colostrum is also high in antibodies that will help protect your baby as he grows. After the first few days, your breast milk comes in and will adjust its production and constitution to the needs of your baby.

Breastfeeding also helps new mothers and babies bond. Babies have difficulty seeing clearly, at first, and they can see best when the object in view is 8-10 inches away. This, interestingly enough, is about the distance between your face and your baby’s when you hold him to your breast. Nursing (suckling) is also soothing to babies. While he is nursing, then, a baby can see his mother’s face very clearly and is usually at peace. These are perfect “bonding” moments for your baby. Of course, gazing down at your nursing baby, while holding him close, is just bliss for you, too! The physical, “skin-to-skin” contact of breastfeeding is also important for infants and is another important part of the bonding process. They have been so close to you for so long, babies thrive on continuing this physical closeness after birth.

In addition to all of the benefits breastfeeding has for babies, there are distinct positives for mothers, as well. Studies have shown that breastfeedign reduces a woman’s risk for developing breasts and/or ovarian cancers. The longer you nurse, the more your risk is reduced. Also, your breast is always there and easy to make available for your baby–no warming the bottle or preparing the formula, and there is no washing and sterilizing required after your baby is done eating! Of course, we can’t forget the fact that breastfeeding helps burn off all the “baby weight” you put on helping to grow and now to feed this beautiful baby. As a result, many breastfeeding women find it easier to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

Breastfeeding is recommended, exclusively, for the first six months, then, for the rest of the first year (though WHO recommends two years), in addition to solid foods. You can’t help but see the benefits of breastfeeding, as your healthy baby grows up right before your eyes!