This last week was world breastfeeding week, which is a time to raise awareness on the amazing benefits of breastfeeding. So, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about those benefits here! I do want to preface this by saying that yes breastfeeding is great and does provide many benefits. However, fed is best, regardless of if it’s breastmilk or formula. So, if breastfeeding is not in the cards for you or if you tried breastfeeding but it didn’t work out you are no less of a wonderful mother to your child. With that being said, let’s dive in!
Women’s bodies are really amazing. They not only grow a baby they can also provide exactly what that baby needs nutritionally. Every time a baby is breastfeeding there is a swap that happens with the baby’s saliva and the mom. This swap causes a change in the breastmilk to give that baby exactly what it needs. So let’s say the baby is dehydrated, the mom’s body will sense that and provide the breastmilk with more hydration. Same if the baby is needing more fat in it’s diet the mom’s body will produce more fatty breastmilk. There is also the transfer of antibodies that happens in breast milk as well which will help the baby’s immune system develop. But like I said, breastfeeding is not just beneficial to the baby, there are benefits for mom as well.
One of the benefits of breastfeeding for moms is that it can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. There is also a decreased risk of type II diabetes and hypertension. It has been shown that these risks are less in women who do or have breastfed. Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of developing postpartum depression if it is going smoothly. There are also some conveniences that come from breastfeeding. One convenience is being that it is free or low cost. Another convenience is that it is always available and can be done anywhere or anytime.
Lastly, breastfeeding is also a wonderful way to bond with your baby. This can help not only your baby gain trust and confidence in you, but for you to gain trust and confidence as well. Being a parent is hard regardless of your circumstances, so this can be helpful especially if you are a first-time parent. However, as I stated before if you are unable to breastfeed or tried and weren’t able to for as long as you wanted, you are still a wonderful mother and are doing amazing!
Until next time,
Morgan
