Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby, the environment, and yourself. But, before we talk about the benefits you need to understand that sometimes it’s just not possible. The baby may have a weak suck, the mom may have complications, or sometimes milk just doesn’t come in. It’s no one’s fault, and thankfully there are perfectly good options for formula today when this happens. But, if you can nurse your baby, these are the benefits of doing it.
* Healthier Baby – Studies show that babies who are nursed tend to get fewer colds and viruses. Plus, this protection works long term in children. For example, nursing your baby protects it from serious conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, and even Crohn’s disease. Plus, it’s shown that breastfed babies have stronger bones too.
* Lower Risk of SIDS – Stats show that babies who get the benefit of breast milk are also less likely to suffer from sudden infant death syndrome. Studies have shown that SIDS may be caused by lack of serotonin in the brain of these infants. The act of nursing tends to release more serotonin than bottle feeding.
* Mommy Heals Faster – Women who nurse their babies tend to heal faster than women who don’t. It helps your uterus return to normal size faster due to the contractions caused by the act of nursing. This is because when you nurse your baby, your body releases oxytocin which causes uterine contractions.
* Builds Confidence in Mothers – When a mom is successful with nursing, she feels empowered. It’s a big deal to be able to give your baby your own milk to keep them alive and help them thrive.
* Lower Risk of Cancer – Both moms and babies get some benefits from nursing. Nursed babies have a lower risk of cancer overall. Moms end up having a lower incidence of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
* Breast Milk Meets Your Baby’s Perfect Needs – Each baby needs something different and somehow the breast milk adjusts. It’s thought that the hormones passed between mom and baby through saliva and breast cause the change. If your baby is sick, the milk changes. If your baby needs to gain weight, the milk gets fattier. It’s pretty amazing.
* Inoculation Properties – Whatever mom is immune to due to a past illness or vaccine, nursing offers some protection for the infant since mom passes on her antibodies in the breast milk to the infant. But, another benefit has been observed in that once a baby is getting vaccines, a nursed baby seems to have fewer side effects from them.
* No Period – One cool benefit that most moms have during full-time nursing is a break from your period. Don’t expect that you can’t get pregnant, though, but it is less likely while nursing full time if your period stops. Usually, that effect lasts six to eight months.
As you can seem there are numerous benefits to nursing for both mommy and baby. But, keep in mind that not everyone can breastfeed. Most moms can, but sometimes issues develop that you’re not in control of happening. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t nurse your baby but if you can nurse, give it a try for at least the first three months or so.
