Breast milk is naturally produced by a woman’s mammary glands during or after pregnancy. Mothers who have decided to breastfeed their infants and toddlers are able to offer a natural source of vitamins, nutrients and immunizations, which enhances growth and development. This article highlights 5 benefits of breastfeeding for baby. These benefits are: bonding/empowerment, antibodies, passing of meconium after birth, contraction, and developing sucking reflexes.
Bonding & Empowerment
Mothers who have decided to breastfeed their babies after birth are able to develop a close emotional bond with their little ones. Mother and baby are taken on a journey of adventure as they both try to figure out the right nursing techniques that will encourage enjoyable and frequent breastfeeding sessions.
Mothers are encouraged to establish an emotional connection with their babies by nursing topless every two hours or on demand. Babies will feel a sense of warmth, security, and love when they are held closely to their mother’s bosom. Moms in return feel a sense of love, empowerment, and fulfillment for putting their baby needs above their own by making the ultimate decision to breastfeed their babies.
Antibodies
Breast milk offers a natural source of vaccination that protects babies from common illnesses. A mother’s antibody, known as immunoglobulins are transferred to her baby at every nursing session to help with brain and growth development and at the same time build up a baby’s immune system to fight against illnesses.
Babies who are breastfed are known to have fewer occurrences of ear infection, cold, cancer, SIDS, diabetes, allergies, viruses, staph infection, meningitis, pneumonia, eczema, just to name a few. Although breastfed babies do become sick, their illnesses are less severe compared to babies who were not breastfed.
The Passing of Meconium
Colostrum is produced by the mammary glands and is packed with essential vitamins and amino acid to help with early brain development. Another important benefit of colostrum is that it serves as a natural laxative during the first few hours after birth to help with the passing of meconium (a baby’s first stool after birth).
Babies should be breastfed as often as possible shortly after birth to increase the passing of meconium, which reduces their chances of becoming jaundice.
Contraction
Mothers can also benefit from breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding helps to expel any form of retained placenta, it tightens the abdominal muscles and allow mothers to regain their pre-pregnancy figure quickly over time.
Developing sucking reflex
Breastfeeding helps babies to develop the innate ability to lash on and suck correctly. Proper sucking techniques reduces the occurrences colic and helps the muscles of the mouth to develop properly.
Stay tuned for five more benefits of breastfeeding!
Speak Your Mind