The benefits of breastfeeding:
Giving the newborn baby complete nutrition should be at the top of every new mom’s list. And if we’re talking about the best source of nutrition, what can be better than your own breast milk? This is not to say that infant formula is not good. However, if you have the option of feeding your baby with the all-natural and zero-cost breast milk, why should you opt for a substitute?
Scientists have long been working on creating the perfect mix of nutrients for infant formulas and other milk substitutes. But with breast milk, there is no need to worry about whether you’re giving your child a balanced set of nutrients. In fact, breast milk has the ideal ratio of important substances like amino acids, taurine, cystine and methionine. These are key nutrients that aid in the proper development of your child’s central and peripheral nervous systems.Not only that, milk has been shown as an extremely adequate food sources that meets all the daily nutritional requirements of the baby. In addition, researchers found that as the baby grows, the energy content of the milk changes in order to suit the baby’s needs. The mother’s body is in perfect tune with the baby’s development so that her milk can provide just the right amount of nutrition for her child’s current state.
Aside from proper nutrition, breast milk also promotes optimum health and protection for the child. Nature has designed man in such a way that our very own breast milk can help prepare and protect our young from the harsh elements around us. Breast milk has lactoferrin which attaches itself to iron and prevents the growth of bacteria in the intestine.
Its BSSL or Bile Salt Stimulated Lipase content can also protect the child against infections related to amoeba. Microorganisms will also find it hard to harm your baby since the breast milk contains immunoglobulin A. There have also been studies that prove that breast milk may protect the child from getting Human Immunodeficiency Virus from the mother. However, further studies are needed to completely establish this fact.
Breastfeeding can also reduce the occurrence of conditions like eczema, diabetes mellitus type 1, respiratory and urinary tract infections. In addition, breastfeeding has been known to help protect babies from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems that may result from using formula.
Moreover, studies have proven that there is a relation between breastfeeding and higher Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Studies in England and New Zealand reveal that breastfed children have a higher IQ in comparison to children of the same age who were fed with formula milk. The studies tracked children who were breastfed as babies. When the children were 8 years old, their IQs were measured. The tests revealed that these children have better performance in the fields of math and reading.
And if you’re thinking about how breastfeeding will affect your own body, worry not. Actually, breastfeeding may just help you regain your pre-baby body. Research has shown that a day of breastfeeding can burn almost 600 calories. That’s a good amount of calories without you hitting the gym. Not only that, breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of certain cancers like breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. The hormones released during breastfeeding can also calm and soothe the mother while helping her uterus return to their normal size. More importantly, breastfeeding gives you and your baby the most intimate way of bonding.
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