9 Science-Proven Benefits of Breastfeeding—For Baby and You

Finally, your bundle of joy is about to jet in. By now, you must be deciding whether to breastfeed or not—some mothers opt not to. While it is a personal decision that only you can make, you should know the benefits of breastfeeding over other feeding options.

Healthy experts advise mothers to breastfeed their babies immediately after birth to reap the whole benefits of breast milk. Breast milk contains all the nutrients that the baby needs during the initial months of its growth.

While breastfeeding is vital to the good health and survival of your baby, it also brings several benefits to your body and general well-being as a mother.

Benefits of Breastfeeding to Your Baby

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1. Breast milk Provides Perfect Nutrition for Babies

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Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs to grow in the right proportions. It gives the right formula of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, the nutrients are easy to digest and promote your baby's healthy weight gain.

Have you ever wondered why a crying baby suddenly keeps calm immediately after he starts breastfeeding? And sleeps soon after? The milk also provides substances that naturally soothe your baby.

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2. Breast milk Contains Antibodies

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Your first breast milk, colostrum, contains very high amounts of a very important antibody called immunoglobulin A and other antibodies. Antibodies help your baby's body fight off viruses and bacteria in those critical early months.

When you get a viral or bacterial infection, your body produces antibodies that go to breast milk. These antibodies are then passed on to the baby during breastfeeding. By forming a protective layer on the throat, nose, and digestive system of the young one, they offer protection against infection.

Breast milk also offers protection against gastrointestinal infections since the milk goes straight into the stomach before it is digested and absorbed.

Because of the immunity-boosting factors in breast milk, there is no doubt that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from ear, nose, and throat infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and certain types of meningitis.

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3. Breastfeeding May Make Your Child Intelligent

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A Study Trusted Source indicates that breastfed babies' intelligence scores are higher. They are less likely to develop behavioral problems or have learning difficulties as they grow older. Also, your baby's brain development occurs rapidly during its first year due to nutritional factors.

?Thus the benefits of breastfeeding can be explained by nutrients found in breast milk but lacking in formula milk.

Mother-to-child interactions during breastfeeding are also essential to your baby's brain development. For instance, breastfed infants receive more emotional care from their mothers than their formula-fed counterparts.

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4. Creates Mother-Child Bonding

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Breastfeeding creates a special bond between you and your child because of the physical contact between your skin and your baby's skin. It is not just the smell of your skin that comforts your baby, but also the sound of your heartbeat and the taste of your milk.

Breast milk's natural sweetness is complemented by the fact that it also differs in flavor according to the food you consume. No two meals are similar for your baby during breastfeeding. Additionally, this can increase their likelihood of enjoying new foods once they begin consuming solid food.

It is not just the act of breastfeeding that creates the bond, but the overall closeness needed that brings happiness and reassurance of your baby's dependency on you.

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5. Breast Milk Boosts Your Baby's Healthy Weight Gain

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Breastfeeding prevents childhood obesity. Leptin, a hormone in breast milk, regulates appetite and fat storage in your child's body.

Your breast milk is enough to keep the baby within the recommended weight. All you need to do is breastfeed as often as possible, usually after every 2-3 hours. Eat a balanced diet and take lots of water to increase your milk supply.

Breastfeeding Benefits to you

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6. Breastfeeding Contracts the Uterus

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During pregnancy, your uterus grows from the size of a bear to fill your whole abdomen. After delivery, it starts shrinking in a process called involution, with the help of a hormone called oxytocin.

The production of oxytocin increases during breastfeeding. It helps the uterus to contract to its initial size. So, the more you breastfeed, the faster your involution will be.

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7. Breastfeeding lowers your disease risk

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According to a study, there is a decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer for women with prolonged periods of breastfeeding.

Women who breastfeed are also unlikely to suffer from;

·??????Arthritis

·??????Type 2 diabetes

·??????Heart disease

·??????High blood pressure

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8. Breastfeeding Saves Time, Energy, and Money

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Breast milk is clean and readily available. Choosing to breastfeed will means you won't have to;

·??????Spend money on buying formula milk

·??????Spend time cleaning and sterilizing feeding bottles

·??????Wake up in the middle of the night to mix and warm bottles

·??????Calculate the number of calories your baby needs in a day.

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9. Breastfeeding Lowers Your Risk of Depression

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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental illness that may occur immediately after delivery. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of suffering from postpartum depression. PPD is be caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Breastfeeding increases your positive moods, reduces anxiety, and creates high levels of calmness. Most mothers who suffer from PPD may suffer a mental breakdown that can lead to neglecting themselves and their babies

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Bottom Line

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is the wisest decision you will ever make. There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. Your baby's immunity will be at its peak if you choose to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. Prolonged breastfeeding will also reduce the risk of some cancers, contract your uterus and save you time, energy and money.

The bond you develop with your baby while breastfeeding is divine; nothing can beat the feeling. Breast milk is the best food for your baby during the first days. Breastfeeding also stabilizes your hormones and improves your mental health. The benefits cannot be replaced by formula or any other food.

As you anxiously wait for your baby, prepare yourself physically and mentally for exclusive breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare in advance to guide you on the best breastfeeding practices.