Breastfeeding your baby is the mother’s most important first gift to her child. The health benefits of breastfeeding are equal to both the baby and the mother. The main aim was to focus on supporting both the parents to be empowered, encourage breastfeeding, and improve the health of babies worldwide.
Breastfeeding is an important and integral part of the growth and development of a child. Therefore, let’s understand the health benefits of breastfeeding, and why it is important to consider.
The Health Benefits Of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and regular process and the doctors and elders give prominence to breastfeeding. Although it is a realistic practice, it has unique reasons behind it that are essential for the healthy growth and development of the baby and the mother, which we will learn.
1. Strengthens The Bond Between Mother And Baby
This may be the most important health benefits of breastfeeding one can think about. Breastfeeding creates a deep and unique bond between mother and child. Studies reveal that skin to skin contact enhances emotional and psychological attachment between both. Some researchers have suggested that this phase lays down the foundation for a happy and secure child’s psychological growth in later years.
2. Breastfeeding Is A Natural Contraception
Exclusive breastfeeding has a natural contraceptive effect. The breast’s physical sucking stimulates the hormones that prevent the ovulation process, thereby acting as a contraception method. During lactation, prolactin levels are high, and these high levels act as a contraceptive.
3. Breastfeeding Provides Important Nutrients To The Baby
Breast milk contains essential nutrients needed for the baby’s growth. It has vital antibodies that benefit your baby against bacteria and virus attacks, proving critical in the early stage. Therefore, considering this one of the most vital health benefits of breastfeeding, practicing it is a must.
4. Breastfeeding Provides Ease And Comfort To The Mother
Proper education, social awareness, support, and breastfeeding practices have enabled mothers to overcome the discomfort felt while feeding, especially in public places. Nowadays, malls, hotels, restaurants, and few other public places have a separate feeding room, which provides ease and comfort to mothers while breastfeeding. In recent times, even a few corporate houses, workplaces, and hospitals have come up with feeding rooms for the mothers.
5. Breastfeeding Is Convenient
The last-minute run to shops for formula feed is not required. Breastfeeding is hassle-free from washing bottles in warm water, sterilizing and drying them in proper hygienic conditions. Breast milk is always maintained at the right temperature, perfect composition, and easily accessible.
6. Avoids Sleep Disturbances And Saves Time For Mother
If the baby is hungry at night, the mother has to wake up and prepare the bottle feed or formula feed that disturbs her sleep, whereas breastfeeding involves latching your baby to the breast. It promotes better sleep to the baby and the mother. Hence, breastfeeding is the best sleep-promoter. Mothers who do not have a medical condition that contradicts breastfeeding must breastfeed their baby to avail most health benefits of breastfeeding.
7. Breastfeeding Is Not Expensive
Unlike other formula feeds or supplemental feed, which costs a considerable amount, breastfeeding does not cost money. It is way cheaper and a much more nutritious meal than bottle feed. It is cost-effective and the best option for mothers or families having a financial crisis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) prioritize breastfeeding your child exclusively for up to six months, or can even extend. The World Health Organization (WHO) urges breastfeeding your child for two years or longer (if required), along with the inclusion of solid foods. Therefore, don’t underestimate the power of breastfeeding and trust nature.
It is an indisputable thought regarding the health benefits of breastfeeding, for it is essential for the body. New mothers should not fray away from it, as it is only healthy and beneficial in the long run.
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