BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS

According to the infant nutrition experts the babies who are breastfed are less likely to catch viruses, cold and pneumonia. Devastating infections like diarrhea that are common in the developing countries are also reduced to a greater extent by breastfeeding. Breast feeding can also help to lower the risk of developing chronic disease like celiac, Crohn’s and diabetes type 1.

STRONGER BONES

According to health care experts “when a mother is lactating, the baby’s body absorbs calcium much more efficiently therefore making bones much healthier and denser six months post weaning.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced by half while a child breast feeds.

Fewer weight issues

Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to become obese when compared to mothers who do not breastfeed their children. About 500 calories are burnt each day with nursing.

Post Delivery Healing

Nursing the baby releases oxytocin that helps contraction of uterus and thereby reduces the blood loss post delivery. Breastfeeding also helps the size of the uterus to return to normal earlier as compared to the women who don’t breast feed.

Lowered risk of Cancer

Chances of breast and ovarian cancer are reduced in women who nurse their children. Nursing also lowers the risk of childhood cancer development in babies.

Tailor made supply

Colostrums is a complete package of antibodies that protects the neonate from infections. It is also higher in protein and lower in sugar as compared to formula milk and therefore small amount can help hold off hunger.

More effective vaccination

Breastfed babies show better response to vaccines than babies who are not breastfed.

Oil from Menstruation

Nursing the child round the clock helps delay ovulation and delays menstruation. This is due to the release of prolactin that controls progesterone and estrogen so that ovulation is not triggered.

Stick off Protection

Breastfeeding is 99 percent effective as a post baby birth control pill is, if some guidelines are followed. These include that your regular cycle has not resumed, you breastfeed every 4 hours round the clock, you do not use pacifiers or formula milk and you are less than 6 months post-partum.

Developing closeness with your infant

Read your baby’s satiety cues a little better, because unlike with a bottle you can’t see how much the child has eaten.