Breastfeeding is Healthy For Mother and Baby

Your baby won’t starve or turn into a sickly adult if you choose not to nurse him. However, nursing in favor of formula offers a wide array of benefits for your baby, as well as yourself. Most health professionals recommend that you nurse for at least six months, though any amount of time gives your baby a healthy start. Mother’s milk is designed to give infants the proper ratio of nutrients that are vital for his growth and development. In addition, breastfeeding releases hormones that induce bonding, cut your risk of certain health problems, and help you lose baby weight.

Boost your baby’s immunity

Breast milk contains substances that boost your baby’s immune system. Immunity is important for keeping dangerous illnesses at baby. Many research studies indicate that babies who breastfeed are at a dramatically reduced risk of developing many health complications. Breast milk plays a role in warding off respiratory issues, ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and stomach viruses that produce vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, some studies show that breast milk can also prevent allergies from developing as your baby gets older.

Breastfeeding boosts baby’s brain power and helps to prevent obesity

Nursing your baby might also work for increasing cognition. Research has shown that babies who breastfeed have higher IQ scores and better scores on vocabulary tests. Your breast milk contains fatty acids that are vital for helping your infant’s brain grow and develop, but the bonding that occurs during feeding also contributes.

Babies who are breastfed might also be at a lower risk of obesity later in life. Babies who breastfed are better able to respond to hunger cues and stop eating when they are full. Many parents who bottle feed urge their baby to finish what’s in the bottle, which sets them up for overeating down the road. Breast milk also encourages healthy levels of hunger hormones that let a baby know when he is full.

Breastfeeding is healthy for mom as well

Breastfeeding most definitely produces a healthy baby, but the process also benefits moms. When you breastfeed, your body produces extra oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of happiness, contentment, and well-being. This can help reduce the stress that comes with having an infant and may even play a role in reducing your risk of postpartum depression. The actual act of breastfeeding can also relax you and help you calm down.

Nursing your baby is also beneficial for reducing your risk of certain female cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding suppresses your estrogen levels, which is why it might play a role in preventing cancers related to estrogen. Breastfeeding for at least one year offers the most benefit.

Nursing burns hundreds of calories per day, if you do it exclusively. This is good news for many moms looking to lose the baby weight. You do need extra calories to ensure adequate milk supply, but you might notice weight falling off as long as you balance your intake and stay away from too many high-calorie choices.