The 7 Benefits of Breastfeeding

Source: Health Agency of Canada

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

1 - Perfect nutrition easy to digest

Breast milk is the best food for your baby's growth and development. Each mother produces it especially for her own baby. Breast milk offers the perfect protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin and mineral content and is easy to digest.

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

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

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

2 - Ready-to-eat

Breastfeeding minimizes the time spent preparing milk because most babies are ready to breastfeed immediately after birth. It also reduces crying between feedings, as hungry newborns cling eagerly 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 moms to raise their babies quietly and naturally without stress or interruption from doctors or other caregivers.

Although many people find breastfeeding embarrassing or unattractive, it has many benefits for mother and child that make it worthwhile, no matter how difficult it may seem at first glance. 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 milk 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 ailments.

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 covering the walls of your baby's digestive system so germs have no place to grow. This protection is even more important if your baby was born before term (premature).

Breastfeeding helps reduce the chances 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 ailments.

5- Benefits also for mothers

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. Breastfeeding can therefore 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 some time. 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, for you and for 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 or even thousands of dollars.

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

Learning to breastfeed can take time and patience. It is a skill that mother and baby learn together. Do not abandon! There are many people and groups who 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 La Leche League