You have heard the expression “breast is best.” It’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s also true: there are lots of Benefits Of Breast Feeding For Mom. This is why we are here to discuss the breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby. But first, let us see that what breastfeeding is.
What is Breast Feeding?
Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding your baby breast milk directly from your breast. It’s also known as nursing. The decision of breastfeeding is a personal one, and it’s also one that will elicit reactions from family and friends. Many medical experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) along with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), strongly advise exclusively breastfeeding for six months (no formula, juice, or water). Breastfeeding should be continued after introducing other foods for the baby’s first year of life.
Benefits of Breast Feeding for Mom
Breastfeeding is a lovely gift for both you and your child. Let’s discuss now benefits of breastfeeding for moms;
Maternal Fulfillment
As welcome as all of these advantages is, most mothers rank maternal fulfillment at the top of their list of reasons for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an emotional experience unique to both baby and mom.
Breastfeeding is considered as the one parenting behavior that only a mother can do for her baby, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and powerful physical and emotional bond. Your partner and other relatives will all appreciate the new family member being welcomed so warmly.
Release of Healthy Hormones
Many mothers experience fulfillment and joy due to the physical and emotional communion with their children while nursing. These sensations are heightened by the release of hormones such as:
- Prolactin: Produces a soothing, nurturing sensation that allows you to unwind and concentrate on your child.
- Oxytocin: Increases feelings of love and attachment between the two of you.
These pleasant feelings could be one of the reasons why so many women who breastfed their first child choose to breastfeed their subsequent children. You may concern a gynecologist for further help.
Health Benefits
Breastfeeding has lots of health benefits for mothers that go beyond emotional fulfillment.
- Breastfeeding mothers recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps to return the uterus to its standard size faster and can help to reduce postpartum bleeding.
- According to research, breastfed women have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
- Some studies say that it may lessen the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Breastfeeding exclusively postpones the return of the mother’s menstrual period, which can help extend the time between pregnancies.
Additional Benefits
Breastfeeding also has several practical benefits that the entire family can benefit from.
- Human milk is significantly less expensive than formula. Nursing requires an additional 400 to 500 calories per day to produce enough milk for your baby.
- Putting a baby to your breast at night is much easier and quicker than getting up to prepare or warm a bottle of formula.
- It’s also wonderful to pick up the baby and go out without having to carry a bag full of feeding equipment.
- Breastfeeding is also beneficial to the environment because there are no bottles to wash or formula cans to dispose of.
Benefits of Breast Feeding for the Baby
- Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. It contains a nearly perfect balance of vitamins, protein, and fat, providing your baby with everything they require to grow. And it’s all in a more easily digestible form than infant formula.
- Breast milk contains antibodies that aid in your baby’s defense against viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lessens your baby’s chances of developing asthma or allergies.
- Babies who are breastfed solely for the first six months without the use of formula milk will have less ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
- Additionally, they have fewer hospitalizations and doctor visits.
- Some studies say that breastfeeding to higher IQ scores in later childhood. Moreover, physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all assist your baby in bonding with you and feel secure.
- Breastfed infants have more chance to gain the appropriate amount of weight as they grow instead of becoming overweight children.
- According to the AAP, breastfeeding can also help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It may lessen the chance of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, but more research is needed.
The Bottom Line
The frequency with which you should breastfeed your baby is determined by whether your baby prefers small, frequent meals or longer feedings. As your child grows, this will change. Newborns normally want to be fed every 2-3 hours. By two months, most babies provide every 3-4 hours, and by six months, most babies are feeding every 4-5 hours. You and your baby are unique individuals, and the decision to breastfeed is entirely up to you. But if you and your baby need any kind of help then you may contact the best gynecologists in town.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top gynecologists through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
Can’t Find The App?
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at Playstore if you’ve had a good experience!
iPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home. Stay Safe!
FAQs
What are the advantages of breastfeeding for the mother?
It releases the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the return of your uterus to pre-pregnancy size and may reduce post-partum uterine bleeding. Breastfeeding also lessens the chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
How long should I continue to breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that the infants can be breastfed exclusively for the first six months, followed by continous feeding of breast and the introduction of appropriate complementary foods for one year or longer.
Is it safe for my husband to drink breast milk?
In general, breastfeeding your husband or partner is acceptable. It is not perverted or wrong to want the person with whom you are intimate to breastfeed.
When is it most beneficial to breastfeed?
Your baby’s immunizations are at their lowest between the ages of 2 and 6 months. You provide him with the best protection possible during this vulnerable time by breastfeeding.