Both mother and child can reap numerous benefits from exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months. This should be followed by the addition of recommended solid foods with continued breastfeeding thereof (for 12 months or so).

Breast milk contains several vital ingredients which are not present in infant formulas. These ingredients help in building the baby’s immunity. Breast milk will vary from one feed to another, depending on the baby’s unique requirements. But it is the ideal food for supporting the healthy development and growth of a baby.

In addition to the above mentioned benefits, breast milk has also gets easily digested by the baby. This is not true for instant formulas. Generally speaking, breastfed babies rarely face issues of constipation and have fewer chances of getting diarrhea.

Breastfeeding benefits for the baby
Pediatricians inform that the babies receiving breast milk develop a stronger immune system. Hence, they are at a minimal risk of getting allergies, gastro-intestinal illnesses, infections of the respiratory tract and urinary tract, diabetes, asthma and several other illnesses. Your baby gets the supply of all essential nutrients through breast milk, in the right proportions. Studies also reveal that babies who are breastfed remain at a healthy weight at different stages as they continue to grow.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother
Besides being hugely beneficial for the baby, the act of breastfeeding also has several advantages for the mother. These include the following:
 

• Breastfeeding helps the uterus to return to the original state faster.
• It has proven to support weight loss in mothers after they deliver a baby.
• Breastfeeding minimizes the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
• It reduces the chances of osteoporosis in women.
• Breastfeeding also minimizes the risk faced by women, suffering from gestational diabetes, from getting Type 2 diabetes.

In the modern world, young working mothers often tend to believe that readily available feeding formulas can serve as a good substitute for mother’s milk. But the reality is that there is absolutely nothing which can replace the unique properties of mother’s milk.

Breast milk is a gift given to a mother by nature and is, therefore, precious, unique and invaluable. When giving breast milk to your little one, you don’t need to stress about the temperature, freshness or infection. Also, breast milk is readily available, even if you’re out somewhere. So there is no need to carry bottles and other supplies when you’re breastfeeding your baby.

Today medical insurance can easily cover all kinds of expenses incurred for making breastfeeding a smooth and stress-free process. For instance, a lot of mothers require breast pumps when feeding their little ones. These are also covered by insurance plans. So there is absolutely nothing to stop you from giving your baby the health and nutrition it deserves!


 

Article Reviewed By Crystal Ibetoh MD, MBA reviews each article and ensures the accuracy of the health information. Dr. Ibetoh has strong medical interests in women's health and preventative medicine. She is also a mother of three and uses her medical expertise in addition to personal experience to provide advice about breastfeeding.

*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding breastfeeding.*