Breast milk is the perfect blend of nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants that help the baby to hit developmental milestones and also develop a strong immune system that protects them throughout their life. Breast milk is also nature’s way of transferring live antibodies from the mother to the baby in the form of a compound known as immunoglobulin.
Let’s look at some of the main benefits of breastfeeding for both, the baby and the mother.
5 Advantages of Breastfeeding for the Baby
Breastfeeding, as you may already know, has multiple benefits for the baby, such as –
1. Helps to develop a strong immunity system
Breast milk develops a strong immune system that leads to fewer cases of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. It also improves the body’s natural reaction to any kind of infection throughout the baby’s life.
2. Protects from life-threatening diseases
Breast-fed babies are known to enjoy a lower risk of childhood cancers. It also helps to protect them for years to come from diseases such as diabetes, heart disorders, multiple sclerosis, colitis, and more. Breastfeeding helps to ensure your baby’s health and wellness.
3. Achieve developmental goals
Breast-fed babies are known to hit developmental milestones at the ideal age. They also gain their ideal weight faster than other babies; for example, their weight will ideally double within the first 5 months and triple by the time they turn one.
4. Helps in the development of the brain
Breast milk contains a wide variety of required nutrients that help in the development of the baby’s brain and leads to better brain maturation. It is best seen by how breast-fed babies have fewer speech problems and start to talk and interact sooner than later. It also shows effects much later in their life as well.
5. Various other benefits
Breastfeeding your baby has a wide variety of other benefits as well, such as –
- Lesser chance of suffering from obesity in the future
- Fewer orthodontic problems including a reduced chance of cavities
- Shapes the behavior and temperament of the baby for life
- Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
These reasons are why you should try to breastfeed your baby for at least the first six months of their life. You can, if needed, introduce them to the formula thereon.
Bonus – Here are 3 Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother
Yes, breastfeeding is not just essential for the baby but for the mother as well. It provides a wide variety of benefits for the mother, such as –
1. Has multiple physical benefits for the mother
Breastfeeding mothers experience multiple physical benefits such as faster weight loss and less postpartum bleeding. It also helps to bring the uterus back to its normal size quicker and in a much easier manner. It also reduces the chances of urinary tract infection and anemia.
2. Has multiple emotional benefits as well
Breastfeeding also provides the new mother with many emotional benefits. The major benefit is the feeling of satisfaction which helps to keep the mother happy and reduce the chances of postpartum depression. It also releases hormones that help new mothers deal with stress and experience a certain calmness.
3. Has lifelong benefits for the mother
Breastfeeding helps to protect the mother from critical diseases throughout their life including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
