There are so many incredible benefits of breastfeeding for mum and baby here I this blog I talk about what they are and how this can empower you if you are thinking about breastfeeding or you are not sure if you are doing the right thing or you are just curious then go no future let me break down the top benefits for breastfeeding for you and your baby.
Benefits For Baby
Nutrition
All the vitamins and nutrition your baby needs are in the mother’s milk. It is so amazing how nature works. Our bodies can produce what it needs for our babies to survive and thrive! Not just humans but animals, too, they all provide milk for their little ones, no intervention required. In today’s society, we are made to feel we are not enough and that we need intervention. We need to go to the shop to buy milk, but everything we have is more than enough!
If we look after ourselves, we look after our babies. Now, you must remember to keep yourself hydrated and eat well. Your baby will be okay as they will be taking nutrients from you, but if you are not looking after yourself, your nutrients will deplete. So, eat nutritional foods regularly. If you are looking to build on your milk supply, check out my blog HERE. If you are looking to build up on your nutrients, check out Wild Nutrition for their range of supplements for breastfeeding mums.
Immunity
Breast milk produces antibodies, and the antibodies fight off bacteria and viruses. This is a wonderful natural defence for your baby’s developing immune system. No need to sterilise your breasts are naturally sterile for feeding your baby. This is not to say that breastfed babies don’t get ill, but if they do, they have a stronger recovery rate than bottle-fed babies. This, in turn, gives babies reduced infections and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
I saw an experiment on social media of bacteria in a Petri dish, and the scientist dropped a few drops of breast milk into the Petri dish. As they showed you under the microscope, you could see that within seconds, all the bacteria died. It was so amazing to see!
Good Health Development
Easily digestible milk helps to maintain a strong gut. As breast milk is easy to digest, it helps babies’ digestive systems to grow strong as they grow. As your baby grows to 6 months, be cautious of what foods you give to your baby to maintain a strong gut. Check out my blog on the essential guide to weaning a breastfed baby onto solids.
Stronger Cognitive Development
Research tells us that breastfed babies have a stronger cognitive development. They have a higher IQ as the breastmilk helps to develop babies growing brains.
Bonding with Mum
This is a benefit for the mother and baby. Breastfeeding is such a wonderful and precious way to bond with your little one. The connection is so special. The bond can help to reduce SIDS. When your baby needs you or is hungry, your breast may tingle or leak a little to let you know that your baby needs you. This can happen even if you are not in the same room or you are out somewhere. It’s like Spiderman with his spider senses. Mama and her breastfeeding- it’s like a superpower!
When your baby grows they may want to touch your face and play with your hair whilst they are feeding; they will look into your eyes it is adorable. I have a special connection with all my babies, and they have a special connection with me. Breastfeeding is not always about food; it’s about a mother’s bond with her baby, and no one can take that away from you!
Benefit For Mum
Reduced Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer.
.When breastfeeding for a least a year, you can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Dr Bevers from the MD Anderson Cancer Centre posted this:
“There are a couple of ways breastfeeding reduces your risk for cancer,” says Bevers. “One is that it can delay ovulation and reduce your lifetime exposure to estrogen. Another is that breastfeeding may lead your body to shed breast cells, and in that process, you’ll likely shed cells that had the potential to become abnormal.”
So breastfeeding can shed cells that could be potentially abnormal and pregnancy reduces exposure to too much estrogen in the body. It is amazing how the body works. Here is how I see it, if a woman is not using the full potenital of her body functions you may miss out on its benefits. This is not to say that every woman will give birth and breastfeed but if you have the opportunity to, take it.
Quicker Postpartum Recovery
When you are breastfeeding after birth, you have a quicker postpartum recovery. This happens when you are breastfeeding, your uterus contract down to its orgional state before pregancy. So you belly will go down quicker. You might feel some pain when you breastfeed during the contractions. This depends on how many babies you have had.
I noticed with my first baby that I felt my uterus contracting very slightly, like a mild period pain, but it was fine. With my second baby, I could feel my uterus contracting when I was breastfeeding, and it felt like early stages of labour pain. When I had my third baby, my uterus contractions were a lot stronger, I had to breathe through them!
It had come to my knowledge that the more babies you have, the more intense your uterus contractions will be during breastfeeding. Don’t lose heart; it only lasts for a day or two, and then it gets back to normal, and the pain gets reduced each time.
Cost Effective
When you are breastfeeding, you are going to save a lot of money because buying formula milk can be costly over time. Breastfeeding doesn’t cost anything; you don’t need bottles, sterilisers, bottle warmers etc. Some breastfeeding mums like to pump, but not all, but with that consideration, it is still more cost-effective.
So, if you are looking to save on the pennies, try breastfeeding.
Stress Relief
Breastfeeding is a great stress relief. It can calm a mum down after a stressful and busy day. It has also been known to help mums who have been through some sort of trauma. When you breastfeed, the feel-good hormones of oxytocin and prolactin can really give you a calming effect.
I know it does for me after a long day of preparing my kids, going out, meeting people, cooking, cleaning, teaching my kids, and getting the kids ready for bed. When I breastfeed my little one, it is like a little break and relaxing time for my brain Sometimes I get a bit sleepy. So enjoy it while you can.
So, in conclusion, there are many health benefits for you and your baby when you are breastfeeding. Sometimes we think that the main benefits are just for the baby but it is also healthy for mums as well. Be encouraged, keep going forward on this journey you will be thankful that you did. For yourself and for your baby.
If you would like to have something pretty to drink when you are trying to stay hydrated throughout the day, please check out my shop here for tasteful mugs, cups and teapots for the breastfeeding mum.
So keep it going mama, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me with any questions you may have.
Please share this blog with anyone you know who may benefit from it and share it on social media!
*Note: this post contains affiliate links, a small commission will be given to Little Milk Diaries, but no extra charge to you.
Mama I have some amazing new gifts for you, mugs, cups and teapots to keep you hydrated throughout the day. All hand design by me Sheleen! Please check it out and have a browse!
