Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby

There is nothing unnecessarily created in nature.  Breasts were also created for breast species to feed their baby. Breast milk alone meets the nutritional need of the baby after birth. Breastfeeding, which is extremely important for the baby, has many positive effects on mothers in the short and long term. Breastfeeding, which allows the mother to communicate with the baby, makes a very important contribution to the physical and mental development of the baby by connecting the baby to the mother. But what are benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby? Let’s go to deep into our article for answers.

Besides to the nutritional function, the physical contact between mom and baby, the establishment of an emotional bond, is of enormous importance. With this process a basic building block for the human ability to bond and a normal psycho-social development is laid.

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby

• Breast milk is high in fat and contains water. Thus, the energy and water balance are well supported.
• The protein content of breast milk promotes growth and is easier to digest than, for example, cow’s milk.
• Since baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed and is only stabilized over time through contact with the environment, it can absorb antibodies against pathogens directly with the breast milk. The mother passes on antibodies from previous illnesses (measles, chickenpox, etc.) as well as from current infections (e.g. colds). Baby is well protected against infections in this way.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development.
• Fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and carbohydrates favor the intestinal flora and build up protection against infection.
• Lactoferrin also increases the protection against infection and improves the absorption of iron from breast milk.
• Many polysaccharides protect against infection by catching pathogens in the intestine and promoting the growth of useful bacteria in the intestine.
• Breast-fed baby are less likely to develop infections, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract and the middle ear.
• Breastfeeding prevents allergies if you only breastfeed for at least four months.
• Breast-fed baby have a lower risk of becoming overweight, having a heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases such as getting high blood pressure. They are less likely to develop diabetes mellitus.
• Breast-fed baby are less likely to have sudden infant death syndrome.
• The palate and jaw development is positively influenced, later misalignments are less. Head and neck muscles are strengthened.
• American studies show that breastfed baby show fewer behavioral problems and learning difficulties.
• Scientists have suggested that breastfeeding can make baby more resistant to stress for life.

If you want, you can read our article about Baby Falls Asleep While Breastfeeding. https://kidschildrenshealth.com/baby-falls-asleep-while-breastfeeding/

Benefits of breastfeeding for mom

• Prolactin and oxytocin have many beneficial effects on the body.
• For mom, building an emotional bond with her baby through breastfeeding is just as important as it is for the baby itself. But, mothers who do not breastfeed, e.g. promote this bond through a lot of physical contact, so breastfeeding is not a prerequisite for a secure bond.

In addition, there are other benefits of breastfeeding for mom  :

• Breastfeeding is free and can be done almost anywhere at any time. There is no need to prepare bottle food under strict hygienic requirements. Sleep is less disturbed by breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding moms lose weight faster after giving birth because breastfeeding uses extra energy.
• The suckling of the baby on the breast leads to an increased release of prolactin, the mom remains more relaxed.
• The hormone oxytocin not only influences the breastfeeding process, but also triggers contractions of the uterus (still labor). The associated pressure on the vessels leads to hemostasis, the rejection of wound secretions from the uterus and their regression. At the same time, anemia and iron deficiency are prevented.
• Also, oxytocin reduces the release of stress hormones in mom and baby and promotes the bond between the two (“attachment hormone”).
• Breastfeeding, lowers the mom’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
• A Swedish study found that women who breastfeed for at least a year have a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis after the menopause.
• Breastfeeding,lowers  mom’s risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity.
• Breastfeeding, lowers the maternal endometriosis risk.

Our previous article How often should i pump to increase milk supply? We also recommend that you read our article.

Dorothy

Hello, I’m Dorothy. I love writing and researching articles. Reading books about baby health, care and pregnancy is my favorite. I will be sharing delicious and healthy information on food and baby food during pregnancy.