Breastfeeding is the most natural way of giving essential nutrients to your developing child, but it’s not the only way. In fact, in 2020, there are various different feeding methods mothers can choose from, all of them having their distinct benefits and justifications.
However, the focus of this article is solely on breastfeeding and its health benefits. Breastfeeding has the potential to give your child a healthy start in life, but there are some more little-known health benefits to the mother as well.
Not everyone is suited to breastfeeding, however, so if you’re a new mother and are considering going down this route of feeding, be sure to consult your doctor to make sure you’re able to do so safely. If you are, then here are the health benefits of doing just that:
Health Benefits for The Child
The main reason why mothers breastfeed is to provide their child with key nutrients and health benefits that not only aid in their development but can also last into adulthood. Breastfeeding your child for more than six months can help reduce the risk of infections and diarrhea and vomiting, leading to less frequent visits to the hospital.
It can also aid in the child’s growth and prevent severe weight gain and obesity, as well as reduce the risk of any cardiovascular-related diseases in adulthood. It can help protect against SIDS and it’s also believed that breastfeeding may reduce the chance of your baby getting childhood leukemia, however, more research is required to fully prove this.
It’s suggested that mothers who are breastfeeding give nothing but breast milk to their child for the first 26 weeks of their life. After that, the mother is free to give breast milk with solid food for as long as she wants, or even replace breastmilk with formula. One of the best ways to express breastmilk is with a pump, with the Ameda breast pump being a good option.
Health Benefits for The Mother
Breastfeeding is also a good thing for the mother to do as it has various health benefits attached to it. Regardless of whether you decide to give your baby breastmilk, it’s still a good idea to dispel any excess milk in order to obtain these benefits. When you’re ready for your milk to dry up, try these tips to help make it a more comfortable transition.
The benefits for the mother include a reduced risk in various cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It can also help reduce the risk of an illness that makes your bones weak, known as osteoporosis, which is something that your child is protected from too. Likewise, it can also help mothers avoid cardiovascular disease and is an effective way to combat obesity alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet.
It’s also believed that the sensation of having a baby feed directly from the teat can be soothing and relaxing, creating a better bond between parent and child as well as reducing stress in the process.
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