The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. Breast milk is the perfect food for baby--nothing else is needed for the first 6 months. Breast milk is tailor-made for each particular baby. It differs depending upon the age of the baby, the time of day, and from mother to mother.

Formula is NOT second best to human milk--not even close! Perhaps instead of saying the "benefits of breast feeding" we should say the "dangers of formula feeding".

Just like giving birth, breastfeeding is what your body is designed to do. Your breasts are designed (or have evolved) to make milk and to feed your young. All mammals feed their babies this way and we ARE mammals.

Benefits for Baby

Breast milk will produce antibodies to germs the mother or baby is exposed to. The mother's body is constantly updating the milk with new antibodies to protect the baby's immature immune system.

It protects against a myriad of childhood diseases and ailments as well as adult diseases.

Asthma, allergies, ear infections, and gastro-intestinal ailments in childhood, and multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and diabetes in adulthood.

The vitamins and minerals in breast milk are more easily absorbed than those in formula.

Breastfed babies have lower rates of obesity in adulthood.

Even though the amount of calories and fat is about the same in formula and breast milk, the type of fat is different and of course the delivery method is different. Healthier fats are found in breast milk and the infant controls the type of milk she gets from the breast based on how she sucks. Longer sucking results in more hind milk or high-fat milk. Shorter sucking results in the baby receiving the fore milk or lower fat milk. Breastfed babies also eat more slowly and take smaller meals.

I have noticed this with my own baby. Her father tells me that when he gives her a bottle (of breast milk) she gulps it down very quickly and always seems to want more. It is much easier to get milk out of a bottle as it flows much more quickly than from the breast. So she doesn't have time to realize that she is full.

Nourishing baby at the breast helps a baby to trust their own hunger signals. You can't really coax a baby to finish the last ounce in a breast (which is never truly empty) the way you can in a bottle.

Your baby becomes used to the foods that you eat through the taste of your breast milk.

Breastfed babies have IQ scores 7-10 points higher than formula fed children.

Breastfed babies are smarter. This advantage is greater the longer the baby is breastfed. The difference is not due to the greater in-arms time that breastfed babies get, but is actually due to factors contained IN the milk.

Part of this is due to the Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA) that are found in breast milk for brain growth.

Breastfed babies have better hearing and better vision.

Breastfed babies have better developed facial muscles and jaw alignment.

This provides more room for teeth--hence less future dental work!

Breastfed babies have better breathing due to a larger nasal space.

Breast milk is easier to digest.

Breastfed babies have healthier skin.

Breast milk tastes better than formula (breast milk is sweet).

To learn about the benefits of extended breastfeeding (nursing beyond one year) see Why a Breastfeeding Toddler?

Benefits for Mom

If you are practicing ecological breastfeeding it can help to space babies.

CONVENIENCE

No formula to mix, bottles to wash, formula to refrigerate, tote along, or heat up. It is always ready and at the perfect temperature. It comes in a convenient, attractive carrying package.

It makes going out very easy. Some women hesitate to nurse in public or find it to be a daunting prospect. After a few weeks of practice at home and purchasing some good nursing bras and tops it really is a breeze and can be done quite discreetly.

It really is too bad that in our society breasts are viewed only as sexual objects to be hidden away unless they are being employed in advertising.

The more women breastfeed in public the more normal it will become.

It helps the uterus to more easily return to its pre-pregnant size after birth.

Suckling at the breast causes uterine contractions when the baby feeds. There is less bleeding after birth, and less chance of hemorrhage if baby is put to the breast right away.

It promotes bonding between mother and baby.

When baby suckles the hormone oxytocin is released in the mother. Oxytocin is the love hormone and causes you to want to be with your baby. It causes mothering feelings and behaviors. It helps a mother to be more sensitive to the moods and needs of her baby.

Babies have better smelling poop! It is sweet and yeasty smelling and easier to clean.

It provides relaxing and stress fighting hormones for both mom and baby--it helps them both to wind down and fall asleep.

Especially in the early weeks and months after my daughter's birth, I would often notice this effect. A few minutes after she started to nurse, my eyelids would feel droopy and my brain fuzzy. In fact, my own mother has told me that when she nursed she couldn't hold a conversation with anyone or do anything else since she felt so drawn into the act of nursing. My guess is this is because she was experiencing this relaxing hormone--the hormone prolactin.

It keeps estrogen levels low which lowers the chance of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers as much as 25% depending on how long you cumulatively breastfeed.

It lowers your chance of getting osteoporosis.

It is less expensive.

You will be consuming some extra calories to produce milk, so there is a slight cost of extra food. If you need to, or choose to pump there will be the cost of a breast pump, bottles, and accessories--but otherwise it is free!

It is better for the environment.

The creation of formula uses up precious resources and the packaging creates more waste.

It can help you lose weight faster.

Although it doesn't always! In my experience, I very quickly lost the majority of the weight I had gained within about two weeks, but I am still holding on to the last ten pounds. It depends on your diet and activity level as well.

Preparing to Breastfeed

Getting the support that you need from your spouse or partner, from those attending your birth, and from family and friends is all important.

Learning about how to get baby latched onto the breast after birth, and about different nursing positions will give you an idea of what to expect.

It is such a joy to see your exclusively breastfed, chubby, and healthy baby and know that your baby is made up of your milk and all the love and nourishment you have given him at your breast.

More Articles on Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and Alcohol

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