Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby. Breast milk contains nutrients and vitamins that are essential for the baby in their first few months. It protects the baby from many ailments as it contains disease-fighting elements. Most pediatricians recommend that breastfeeding should be continued for at least six months. Research reveals that breastfeeding benefits the mother's health too. Here are the main health benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Benefits

• Research reveals that breastfeeding lowers the risk of the baby suffering from meningitis, ear infections, respiratory ailments and stomach viruses.
• The most benefits are obtained by exclusively feeding the baby only breast milk for the first six months.
• A large study found that breastfed babies have a lower risk of dying in infancy. The longer the breastfeeding the more protection the baby gets.
• A mother's breast milk is tailored to suit her baby's needs and health.
• Breastfeeding benefits last into childhood as breast milk lowers the risk of contacting certain cancers in childhood. Scientists say breast milk contains antibodies that boost the baby's immunity.
• Breastfeeding protects the child from inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol and diabetes later in childhood.
• Researchers have found that absence of breastfeeding raises the child's risk of developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease later in life.
• Another breastfeeding benefit is protection from allergies.
• Babies fed on cow's milk formula have higher chances of developing allergic reactions compared to breast-fed babies.

More Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

• Researchers have discovered that breastfeeding boosts the cognitive development and intelligence of the baby as revealed by higher IQ scores.
• In another study, breastfed children scored higher marks in a vocabulary test conducted when they were five years old.
• Pediatricians say breastfeeding reduces obesity risk for children later in life.
• A German study reveals the breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Pediatricians say breastfeeding should be continued for as much time as possible to reduce SIDS risk.

Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother

• It reduces her stress levels and the risk of post partum depression.
• Breastfeeding mothers say they feel relaxed when feeding their baby. This is because nursing releases a hormone called oxytocin which promotes relaxation and nurturing in the mother. Oxytocin also reduces postpartum bleeding by contracting the uterus.
• Oxytocin in breastfeeding moms reduces blood pressure.
• Breastfeeding can also help the mother reduce her risk of developing certain types of cancer.
• Longer months of breastfeeding protects the mother from ovarian and breast cancer.