Five Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby

Breast milk is the ultimate food source for infant development, and has benefits that will help the mother maintain life-long health. When we consider these benefits, it becomes clear why the World Health Organization and other medical organizations are stressing the importance of breastfeeding. New mothers, who choose to breastfeed, are encouraged to do so through at least the first 12 months of the child's life. During this year, the infant experiences the most growth and development it will experience over the course of its lifetime.

Breastfeeding Boosts Brain Power

The fatty acid DHA is plentiful in breast milk and helps to stimulate healthy brain function. While it is replicated chemically in infant formulas, it not as easily absorbed by the infant's stomach and is therefore less effective. Additionally, studies have shown that the strong bond between mother and baby, formed by breastfeeding, may contribute to increased intelligence. This strong bond encourages the infant to explore the world safely, within the mother's reach and spurs the ability to learn.

Illness Protection

Mothers that breastfeed their children pass important antibodies through their breast milk that help to develop immunities to disease. These antibodies teach the infant's immune system how to fight off the infection and prevent them from getting ill. The suction associated with the infant's latch on the mother's breast can help to keep ear passages clear and can prevent a child from developing ear infections.

Reducing the Risk of Depression

Postpartum depression, ranging from mild to severe, affects 70% of new mothers every year. Its effects can be straining and can put both mother and baby in danger. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin into the mother's blood stream. Oxytocin is the hormone associated with happy emotions, and euphoria. These calming hormones are an effective natural treatment for postpartum depression.

Beat the Odds of Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that women who breastfeed for at least one year have a drastically reduced risk of getting breast cancer. The link may be associated with the reduction of estrogen during the breastfeeding period; high amounts of estrogen in the body have been linked to some cancers in women. Researchers are still studying the potential links between breastfeeding and cancer prevention.

Customized Super Food

Breast milk is amazing, and it is constantly transforming to suit the needs of the infant. The mother's body acts as a sensor for the environment and makes adjustments to the fat content, water content and particular antibodies needed to keep the breastfeeding child as healthy as possible. This is a truly remarkable advantage over infant formulas!

When mothers breastfeed their children, they provide them with the absolute best, and natural, food source possible. Some women are deterred from breastfeeding because of social stigmas or, most commonly, a frustrating experience in the nursing process. It's important to consult a specialist or a volunteer lactation advocate to assist during a difficult situation. Breast milk is proven best, and every attempt should be made to provide this benefit to every child.