For some new moms, the prospect of breastfeeding is one that either fills them full of joy or dread. Whatever your feelings on the matter, there is no doubt that breastfeeding has many benefits and is the best option for the majority of mothers.
When it comes to making a decision, you have to choose the option that will work best for you and your baby. For some moms, it may not be medically advisable to breastfeed, while others may need to do some trial and error first. If you are unsure whether to go with breastmilk, then these four ways breastfeeding benefits you and your baby may go some way to persuading you to give it a try.
Front Line Protection
While formula milk gives your child all the nutrition they will need, it won’t include antibodies unique to your body which gets passed on during feeding. These antibodies help to protect your baby from nasty bugs and infections while their own immune system is developing.
Breastmilk also contains good bacteria which helps to fight off gastrointestinal issues, and your baby will be less likely to suffer from chest and ear infections.
Building A Life-Long Bond
The process of breastfeeding is a very intimate experience for both mother and baby and can help both of you post-pregnancy. Some studies have found that breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing post-natal depression. It will also provide a source of comfort to your baby in their early months, which will give them a solid foundation for emotional and physical development as they get older.
Health Benefits for Both of You
There are many health benefits associated with breastfeeding for both you and your baby. As we mentioned above, breast milk can help to protect your baby from certain infections, but it can, also, reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes and obesity later in life for both of you.
Many studies have also found that breastfeeding can minimize the risk of contracting certain forms of cancer.
Another advantage that breast milk has over formula is that will continually adapt to the needs of your baby as they grow, meaning they will always get the nutrition they need when they need it.
Food on the Go
Having a baby will mean you have to make some serious changes to your daily routine, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Breastfeeding is much more convenient for you when you decide to venture out with your little one. You won’t need to carry loads of spare bottles and worry about having enough food if you lose track of time.
With breastmilk, you will always have a ready supply for when your baby is ready to feed, meaning you can feed anytime and anywhere. And, as an added bonus, breastmilk is much cheaper than formula milk and will have a greater variety of tastes, which might stop your baby developing into a fussy eater later on.