Giving your baby breast milk is the most natural type of feeding there is, also provides an unequalled way of providing the perfect food for the baby, helping your baby to develop healthy and naturally. The World Health Organisation and many government agencies recommend that infants are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of the life, continuing with breast milk as part of their daily diet until around age two decades.
Infant Breastfeeding
But that’s only one reason why you need to breastfeed your infant; here are 6 others. Breast milk is wholly free. Although it seems clear, this can be overlooked by moms that are contemplating not breastfeeding and switching instead to formula milk. When you breastfeed you save money by not needing to purchase such things as, infant formula, bottles, nipples, sterilizers and distinctive travel bags to maintain formula either cold or warm.
When breastfeeding, you also don’t need to eat for two; simply eat as you normally would, therefore there is no extra expense there either. Finally, you save on buying clothing. Milk stains left on clothes after breastfeeding don’t leave permanent marks the manner that formula milk does. You can just clean your clothes to remove milk stains; no need to purchase new ones.
Your baby will inform you when he or she’s hungry. Breastfeeding mothers can simply sit down and relax and get on with nursing their infant. Your breast milk is instantaneous nourishment, always at the perfect temperature and consistency. No so with feeding your baby formula. Also, breastfeeding in public is becoming easier, with many stores, restaurants and other institutions providing a private place to nourish your baby.
Modern nursing bras are so comfy and well-designed you could easily, discretely and feed your baby in public areas. During pregnancy it’s fairly normal for expectant moms to put on weight. Breastfeeding helps use up the fat which has been stored up during your pregnancy. In actuality, breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories each day, which can help you recover your pre-pregnancy figure.
Some research
Studies have proved that babies that are breastfed have a lower incidence of obesity, diabetes and long-term heart disease. There’s also a reduced risk of gastro enteritis, childhood allergies (such as eczema and asthma), as well as developing debilitating infections in regions like the respiratory systems, urinary tract as well as the ear. Your breast milk is filled with antibodies, which can be passed on to your kid once you nurse; even the best formula can not provide this protection.
More benefits
Women who breastfeed are at less risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hip fractures and issues with bone density (which may result in the disease osteoporosis). Women who snore are also less likely to be obese. Recently the medical practitioner has realised – something moms always instinctively knew – that smoking starts right at birth. Nowadays, moms are encouraged to begin breastfeeding almost immediately after the arrival of the infant.
This enables the bonding between mother and child. Hormones are released when you give birth and hold your baby close – those hormones are further improved by breast feeding and stimulation. The release of these hormones alleviates the pain felt during and after arrival and also help relax you, thus allowing you to get on with caring for your baby.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is completely natural; however it will have to be heard – by both child and mother. Therefore, you should keep in mind that it could take a couple of weeks before you and your baby have sorted things out. If you’re experiencing difficulties, do not stop breastfeeding; instead speak with your midwife as she is going to have the expertise to assist you during this time. Also, talk and ask for assistance from family, friends and your spouse.