The 7 Benefits of Breastfeeding

Source: Health Agency of Canada

Breast milk is the natural food for a baby; however, this natural substance has countless benefits for both mother and child.

1 - Perfect nutrition that is easy to digest

Breast milk is the best food for your baby's growth and development. Every mother produces it specifically for her own baby. Breast milk provides the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals and is easy to digest.

Breast milk is ideal for babies because it provides them with all the nutrients they need to develop and thrive. It contains:

• carbohydrates,
• proteins,
• lipids,
• vitamins
• minerals in ideal concentrations for baby's development.
• hormones that help regulate the baby's behavior and establish a healthy digestive and elimination system.

Breast milk provides natural nutrition for a new baby because it comes directly from mom.

2 - Ready-to-eat meals

Breastfeeding minimizes the time spent preparing milk because most babies are ready to nurse immediately after birth. It also reduces crying between feedings, as hungry newborns eagerly cling to their mother's breasts.

3 - Feeling of security

The act of breastfeeding emotionally connects new parents to their babies, as they have full physical custody of their offspring at all times. This feeling of security allows new mothers to raise their babies calmly and naturally without stress or interruption from doctors or other caregivers.

Although many people consider breastfeeding inconvenient or unattractive, it has many benefits for both mother and child that make it worthwhile, no matter how difficult it may seem at first. Mothers who take this time to care for their children reap many benefits such as reduced stress , greater emotional security, and healthier children than those who provide formula instead. With proper planning on both sides, breastfeeding is a great way to raise healthy babies!

4- Protection against diseases

Breast milk helps your baby fight off illnesses and diseases.

After birth, the first milk your breasts produce is called colostrum. It helps stop harmful germs that can make your baby sick. Colostrum does this by coating the walls of your baby's digestive system so germs have nowhere to grow. This protection is even more important if your baby was born prematurely.

Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk that your baby will:

• has diarrhea, ear or lung infections;
• dies of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS);
• either overweight or obese when older.

Breast milk helps your baby fight off illnesses and diseases.

5- Benefits for mothers too

Studies show that breastfeeding can protect mothers against many diseases such as:

• breast and ovarian cancer
• diabetes
• heart disease

Your body uses energy to produce milk, so breastfeeding can help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.

Exclusive breastfeeding (feeding your baby only your breast milk) can also delay the return of your period for at least a while. But it's important to know that you can still get pregnant even if your period doesn't start.

6 - Good for the planet

Breastfeeding is good for your baby, you, and the environment. Breast milk is produced and delivered directly to your baby—without any processing, chemical preservatives, packaging, or waste.

7 - Good for the budget

Breastfeeding saves you money. Having a baby can be expensive, so it's good to know that breastfeeding isn't expensive! Breastfeeding could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Ask for breastfeeding advice and support, it's worth it!

Learning to breastfeed can take time and patience. It's a skill that both mother and baby learn together. Don't give up! There are many people and groups that can help you, including:

• family members and friends who have breastfed
• health care providers (nurses, doctors or midwives)
• IBCLC consultants and/or breastfeeding sponsors
• support groups like the La Leche League

And to learn more about LIMKY's commitment to supporting breastfeeding in France, click here.