Advantages of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a very personal choice, and no one can make it for you. There are various reasons a mother may opt not to breastfeed, from pain issues or the baby rejecting the nipple, to cosmetic reasons such as worries about weight gain and stretching, having to return to work, or even societal stigmas around being seen feeding in public.
For those who can and do choose to breastfeed, however, there are a lot of benefits for both the mother and the child.
Breast Milk contains everything your baby needs to nourish growth in the first 6 months of their lives. The milk can change its own components to accommodate the needs of the baby, just like magic!
During the child's first few days on this earth, the mother's milk glands produce something called colostrum, which is a super-rich formula packed full of nutritional compounds, designed to replenish anything your baby misses during the stressful process of birthing.
After that, the breasts begin to produce their normal milk, which is still packed with vital nutrients and vitamins to aid the baby’s growth. Within this milk are antibodies, designed to help your baby fight viruses and bacteria which is critical when the baby’s immune system is still so weak. Unfortunately, formula is not able to replicate these antibodies.
Photograph by Jonathan Borba
One vital point we must discuss is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed have been shown to be at a lower risk for SIDS compared to babies who have never had breastmilk. This is again due to the unique antibodies found in the breastmilk which help keep the baby’s immune system in the best condition it can be.
Breastfeeding is also great for regulating a baby’s weight. When feeding from the breast, babies can be better at regulating their own intake. They know when their hunger is satiated and tend not to overfeed in the same manner they do when consuming formula. This can in turn develop healthy eating patterns into toddlerhood and beyond.
When it comes to the mother, there are important benefits there too! According to a 2012 study*, women who chose to breastfeed seemed less likely to develop postpartum depression compared to those who did not.
On top of being cheaper and more readily available than formula, breastfeeding has also been linked to weight loss, as the effort of producing and dispersing the milk burns calories in the body.
As we mentioned, breastfeeding is certainly not for everyone, and that’s okay! You are free to choose what to do with your baby and your body. The points above are merely advantages to consider when taking a step on your feeding journey. We wish you all the very best, you got it mama!
