They say breastmilk has everything that is necessary to sustain a baby during the first 6 months of their life and even longer. This very fact in itself is proof enough of the remarkable benefits of breastfeeding. The key thing to understand is that it is not just the baby that is going to benefit from breastfeeding, there are also a plethora of benefits for the mother.
The composition of breastmilk changes as per the baby’s changing nutrition needs, especially during the first month of life. The thick and yellowish colostrum is superbly high in protein, low in sugar is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract to develop. Colostrum is not something that is not replaceable by formula.
Breastmilk has tons of antibodies that helps the baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is so important in the early years. Colostrum especially has high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA) that can protect the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system.
Breastmilk therefore can greatly reduce baby’s risk for a number of infections and diseases like middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, colds and infections, gut infections. Sudden infant death syndrome, allergic diseases, bowel diseases, diabetes or childhood leukemia. Breastfeeding also helps prevent childhood obesity due to the presence of the Leptin hormone. Breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop behavioral problems or learning difficulties as they grow older.
As for the benefits of Breastfeeding for the mother let’s start with its sure shot ability to help mothers lose weight. Getting the baby weight off is something that is on the minds of every new mother. Breastfeeding does burn more calories. With the pregnancy the uterus expands immensely so breastfeeding can do the trick of helping the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size. It is the Oxytocin released during breastfeeding that helps achieve this. Continued breastfeeding can help pause ovulation and menstruation. This is almost like nature’s way of ensuring that there’s some time between pregnancies.
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk for high blood pressure, arthritis, high blood fats, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. So. it is long term health benefits for the mother that we are talking about. In fact, breastfeeding is also linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Postpartum depression can develop shortly after childbirth. But women who breastfeed have less chances of developing postpartum depression when compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed.
The Prolactin hormone released during breastfeeding can be responsible for producing a peaceful, nurturing sensation that helps the mother to relax and focus on the child. The top benefit of the whole breastfeeding experience is surely the maternal fulfillment. Breastfeeding provides a unique emotional experience for both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding can create a unique and powerful physical and emotional connection that is so important for bonding with the new baby.
For support with your breastfeeding and to understand the right techniques of position and latch, do get in touch with our Certified Lactation Expert. Download Divakars Hospital App through Google Play Store or IOS and call, chat or do video consultation with Dr Payle Biswas Soo, Lactation and Childbirth Consultant
