Breastfeeding is a wonderful natural process that has been nourishing and nurturing infants for millennia. Besides being a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, breastfeeding offers a plethora of health benefits for both mum and baby.
In this week’s blog, in honour of World Breastfeeding Week, we will look at the many advantages of breastfeeding and explore how it positively impacts the well-being of both the mother and her little one.
Before we start, we need to acknowledge that not everyone is able to breastfeed. Some people can’t for health reasons and others choose not to for a variety of reasons. We are mums ourselves and we know that breastfeeding isn’t straightforward for everyone and can feel very tough particularly in the first few weeks.
At Daisy First Aid we believe informed is best and it is a very personal decision. We do not believe that anyone should ever be judged on how they choose to feed their baby.
The facts outlined below are not intended to negatively affect anyone who has chosen not to, or isn’t able to breastfeed their child.
Benefits for Baby
Complete Nutrition
Breast milk is a complete food source for babies. It contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for their growth and development during the first six months of life and beyond. It provides the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, promoting healthy weight gain and supporting their rapidly developing brains.
Immune System Boost
Breast milk is rich in antibodies, immunoglobulins, and white blood cells that strengthen a baby’s immune system. This natural immunity protection helps guard against various infections and diseases, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and more.
Digestive Health
Breast milk is gentle on a baby’s delicate digestive system, making it easier for them to digest compared to formula. It also reduces the likelihood of constipation and diarrhea, promoting a healthy gut microbiome that can have long-term benefits for the baby’s overall health.
Reduced Allergy and Asthma Risk
Studies suggest that breastfeeding may help lower the risk of allergies and asthma in children. The antibodies and other protective components in breast milk may play a role in reducing the development of allergies later in life.
Cognitive Development
Breast milk contains essential fatty acids, such as DHA, which are crucial for brain development. Studies have linked breastfeeding to improved cognitive function and higher IQ levels in children.
It reduces the risk of SIDS
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding for at least 2 months halves the risk of SIDS but the longer you can continue the more protection it will give your baby.
Breast milk changes during illnesses
Research has shown that when a baby is sick, they pass on a cue through her saliva that sends a signal to her mother’s body to produce more milk with illness-specific antibodies. Also, if the breastfeeding mother is exposed to a virus, she will produce antibodies that get passed on to the baby for protection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies showed that previously infected or vaccinated mothers were able to pass active, protective antibodies on to their babies through breast milk. Isn’t that amazing!
Benefits for Mums
Uterine Contractions and Postpartum Recovery
During breastfeeding, the release of oxytocin helps the uterus contract, reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding in the mother’s recovery after childbirth.
Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases
Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing certain health conditions later in life, such as type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Mental Well-being
The act of breastfeeding releases hormones like oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child and can positively impact the mother’s mental well-being.
Portable and ready to drink
You don’t need to take anything with you. It’s always fresh and at exactly the correct temperature. No need to for heating, sterilising or preparing bottles!
Lots of opportunities for mother/baby bonding
It is one of the many things you can do to build a secure and loving relationship. Cuddling your baby actually helps with their brain development and helps them feel safe and secure.
Not just for babies
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until you introduce solids at 6 months. Breast milk continues to be an important source of nutrition and protection for your baby. Breastfeeding is recommended for up to two years or more, or for as long as you and your baby want to. Any amount of breast milk that you can give your baby will have lots of benefits.
It saves money
Breastmilk is free! Breastfeeding could save you hundreds of pounds.
It’s better for the planet
Our babies are going to grow up in a very different world to the one we did because of the climate crisis. As parents, we should be doing everything and anything we can to help reduce the impact on future generations. Breast milk comes ready packaged with no chemicals, plastic or waste!
Share this article with an amazing breastfeeding mama!