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How Breastfeeding benefits Mom and Baby!
While most Moms attest that they knew they wanted to breast feed or formula feed from the beginning, I was unsure. I hoped that if I was going to breastfeed that I could meet the needs of my baby while still being able to carry on as a Mom. When my baby was born, I just jumped into breastfeeding with no expectations, I was going to keep trying and not put pressure on myself and on my baby. With that type of attitude, I ended up breastfeeding for over a year and I am so happy!
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people choose not to breastfeed, some Moms breastfeed for a few weeks and switch to formula. Some go about a year like myself and some Mothers go well beyond a year! Whatever your journey, there are benefits to breastfeeding for both you as the Mother and most importantly for your baby.
If you are wondering whether or not you want to breastfeed, there are a lot of benefits for both you and your baby! Here are some honest points on how breastfeeding is beneficial to both you and your baby.
The Best Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby
At the beginning of my breastfeeding journey, right after my baby was born, I was pleased to know that breastmilk is filled with colostrum. Colostrum helps baby pass their first stool as their digestive tracts are still very immature. It clears access bilirubin that causes jaundice.
Colostrum also promotes immunity, it helps baby fight of nasty infections and also improves gut health throughout your babies entire life! Colostrum gives your baby that great start to their life and helps them start to build immunity against nasty illness.
Great Fats Help’s Your Baby’s Brain
A baby loves good fats to aid in development. Colostrum is only the beginning of the great benefits of breastfeeding. The fats from breast milk also protect your baby’s brain and aid in brain development.
The Bond Between Parent and Baby
Nothing matches the bond between a parent and their baby! Baby gets to know you! They get to know your smell, your voice and get to slowly focus on you. They feel your skin and are nourished from you. It’s a bod that is hard to beat! Partners can also have this bond if you pump breast milk.
Baby Gets Omega 3’s and Specialty Proteins
You would not believe the nutrients and minerals a baby needs to be healthy. Breast milk has omega 3 and specialty proteins that are great for your baby. Have you heard of Secretory IgA? It is a type of protein that can help your baby fight viruses and bacteria. This is a great way to protect your baby.
Human Milk- The Best Drink for Babies Everywhere
It clicks, a human baby ingestion human milk. It was made for them and your body knows how to produce it for your baby. It is a connection that you can be proud of as a parent and your child can ingest and stay healthy.
The Best Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom
Many parents breastfeed because of the benefits for their baby but there are benefits for Moms too!
Lose Weight While Breastfeeding
Many women experience weight loss and even losing their baby weight (and then some!) from breastfeeding regularly and for a long period of time. This is a great way to get down to your pre-baby weight and be able to heal from your pregnancy. I
It Helps Your Uterus contract to regular size
Breastfeeding is not only nutritious for your baby, it helps your body go back to its regular shape! Your uterus grows so much bigger than its regular size to accommodate your baby. When you are breastfeeding, it helps your body realize there is no longer a baby and it can contract back to regular size faster than if you were not breastfeeding. The body is incredible!
Reduces Post Baby Bleeding
The birth process can be long and challenging. Coupled with a long 9 month pregnancy and a new baby who needs you often, it can be exhausting. You have just had a baby, you’re breastfeeding and your body releases a hormone called oxytocin which not only helps your uterus return back to its regular size after birth but also it may reduce some uterine bleeding after birth!
Cancer Decrease?
Cancer has unfortunately affected many families all over the world. Both breast and ovarian cancer are important for people to be aware of and take precautions. Many studies are saying that breastfeeding lowers your chances of breast and ovarian cancer!
You Know What Your Child is Ingesting
You know what your child is ingesting and you approve of all of the minerals and nurtients, fats and proteins. You don’t have to worry about formula recalls or any other challenges.
Breastfeeding Benefits For Both Baby and Mommy
Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both baby and Mommy. With the help of family and a belief in yourself, you can breastfeed and help your baby and yourself in this important first year of life. It can be tough, with pressure from others and you may or may not have the support you need in those first few weeks, but if you keep trying you can make it work.
There are many breast feeding support groups and call groups across the country that can help you. Find groups on Facebook and online that can give you the moral support to continue your journey. Also, talk with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you the best advice on how to start breastfeeding and how to continue your breast feeding journey. It is recommended to breast feed at least one calendar year. Many Mothers go beyond a year and some stop before. Find out what is best for you and your baby and with your doctor, make the right decision for your family.
Whether you choose to breastfeed exclusively, pump your breast milk, do a little of both or mix formula and breast milk, these are some of the many benefits that breast feeding can have not only for you, but for your baby. In the end, this is your decision to make and yours alone! Be empowered and best of luck on your best feeding journey!
