Breast milk is, by design, the best food for your baby. It contains all the right ingredients in just the right balance to meet your baby’s changing needs. In the first few days the breasts produce a yellowish clear liquid called colostrum. Colostrum is high in white blood cells and infection-fighting proteins at the most important time-when your baby is new and has built up no antibodies of her own to fight germs. Mother’s milk is special. It contains the right kind of fats (which are good brain food), beneficial cholesterol, powerful proteins, and 20 to 30 percent more lactose (sugar) than cow’s milk. Breast milk contains highly absorbable vitamins, minerals and iron. And it also contains constantly adapting disease-fighting white blood cells and immunoglobulins. Any amount of breastfeeding, even if it is for only the first few weeks, benefits your baby greatly.
Other Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Your breast milk is always ready. No mixing, no measuring, no sterilizing, no refrigerating, no cleanup, and no bottles.
- Nighttime feedings are quick and easy.
- Breastfeeding is a natural relaxant. Your milk contains a protein that helps your baby sleep. Your body produces hormones as you breastfeed that allow you to relax as well.
- Breastfeeding helps you feel closer to your baby and increases the bond between you.
- Breastfeeding gets you back into shape quicker. Hormones released during breastfeeding contract your uterus to pre-pregnancy size.
- Breastfeeding contributes to a lower incidence of breast cancer.
- Breastfeeding your baby can make her healthier.
- Breastfeeding saves money on supplies. There is nothing to buy.
Dayton, Ohio Pregnancy Services
The Women’s Center-Dayton is a pregnancy resource center that offers support and solutions for unexpected pregnancies for women in Dayton, Trotwood, Englewood, Clayton and Vandalia, Ohio. Women’s Center-Dayton provides women with free pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, consulting on pregnancy decisions, and a material assistance program. To contact the Women’s Center-Dayton call (937) 228-2222 or email info@womenscenterohio.com. You can schedule an appointment by phone or on line by visiting our website www.womenscenterohio.com.
Related posts:
