Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mama and Baby

There is nothing more amazing than the liquid gold called breast-milk that a Mama provides to her newborn. Starting from colostrum that is the first thick yellowish milk that a mother produces is very important for the baby and as the days go by the milk supply increases and it’s scientifically said that the nutrients adjust to meet your baby’s needs.

why is breastfeeding important for the baby

✓ Early initiation of breastfeeding after birth boosts the baby’s immunity with direct transfer of antibodies and essential nutrients.
✓ these antibodies helps the baby fight viruses any bacteria.
✓ Breastmilk provides the ideal nutrition for your infant.
✓ It provides all the nutrition including vitamins, protein and fat that your a newborn needs.
✓ It is easily digestible.
✓ Due to its high content of water, baby is properly hydrated.
✓ Breastfeeding lowers the chances of having allergies and asthma.
✓ Breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months reduces the chances of ear infections and respiratory infections in the baby and reduces the chances of diarrhoea.
✓ Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ in babies in later stages of their life.
✓ It helps babies in adequate weight gain.

Moreover, the physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact and eye contact of the mother and baby have great effects on the baby making them feel more secure and strengthening your bond.

How Breastfeeding helps the mother.
✓ At the top of all, breastfeeding helps you loose some calories that you have put on during pregnancy.
✓ It releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your uterus to reduce back to its pre-pregnancy size.
✓ It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
✓ It gives a mother time and space with the baby which is very much needed for their bonding and also the comfort which is needed for a new mother.
✓ No need of sterilizing nipples and bottles when breastfeeding.

Many experts including the organisations like WHO, UNICEF and IMA (Indian Medical Association) , IAP( Indian Academy of Pediatrics) recommend exclusive breastfeeding upto 6 months and to continue breastfeeding upto 2 years of the baby’s age.

With the leading world that we are in today, many hospitals and organisations are now having Human milk banks where storage of Breastmilk is being done. If Breastmilk is not being supplied by a baby’s own mother, many doctors are now suggesting to go for human donor milk instead of formula milk.

Hope that all you Mamas have a happy breastfeeding journey! ❤️

You may also like to read my article on how to start Breastfeeding! Ease into it!