10 Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed your baby is a very personal decision and one only you can make. There is a wealth of information out there about the benefits of choosing to breastfeed so we have compiled a list of 10 Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby to help you make your decision.
1. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies.
Breast milk contains everything a baby needs for the first 6 months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during the first month of life. During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It’s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula. Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows. The only thing that may be lacking from your magical milk supply is vitamin D. Vitamin D drops are usually recommended.
2. Breast milk contains important antibodies.
Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months. This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies. When you’re exposed to viruses or bacteria, you start producing antibodies that then go into the milk. IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system.
3. Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk.
Exclusive breastfeeding, meaning that the infant receives only breast milk, is particularly beneficial because it may reduce your baby’s risk for many illnesses and diseases, including:
- Middle ear infections.
- Respiratory tract infections.
- Colds and infections.
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Childhood leukemia.
4. Breast milk promotes a baby’s healthy weight.
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity. One study Source showed that breastfeeding for longer than 4 months had a significant reduction in the chances of a baby developing overweight and obesity. This may be due to the development of different gut bacteria. Breastfed babies have higher amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage. Babies fed breast milk also have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a key hormone for regulating appetite and fat storage. Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake. They’re better at eating only until they’ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
5. Breastfeeding may make children smarter.
Breastfeeding may help babies ace those tests. Some studies suggest there may be a difference in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies. This difference may be due to the physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding as well as nutrient content. Studies indicate that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop behavioral problems have learning difficulties as they grow older. However, the most pronounced effects are seen in preterm babies, who have a higher risk for developmental issues.
6. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight.
You may have heard this one often. While some women seem to gain weight during breastfeeding, others seem to effortlessly lose weight. Breastfeeding does burn more calories, and after 3 months of lactation, you’ll likely experience an increase in fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers. Though the difference isn’t significant.
7. Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract.
During pregnancy, your uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of your abdomen. After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help you bond with your new little one. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size. Studies have also shown that mothers who breastfeed generally have less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.
8. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth. Women who breastfeed seem less likely to develop postpartum depression, compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed, according to a 2012 study. However, those who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are also more likely to have trouble breastfeeding and do so for a shorter duration. If you have any symptoms of PPD, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
9. Breastfeeding reduces your disease risk.
Breastfeeding seems to provide you with long-term protection against cancer and several diseases. The total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk for:
- high blood pressure
- arthritis
- high blood fats
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
10. Breastfeeding may prevent menstruation.
Continued breastfeeding also pauses ovulation and menstruation. The suspension of menstrual cycles may actually be nature’s way of ensuring there’s some time between pregnancies. You may consider this change as an extra benefit. While you’re enjoying precious time with your newborn, it’s just one less thing to worry about.
