Good for Baby, Good for Mom The Importance of Breastfeeding

These days, it is rare to find mothers breastfeeding their sons or daughters because of personal reasons. It is a personal matter that sparks lots of debate between across mothers around the globe. Is breastfeeding, therefore, important to both the baby and the mother?

Medical experts believe and strongly recommend their mothers to continue with breastfeeding for roughly six months as the minimum time frame to up to a year with the inclusion of other foods such as vegetables, proteins, and even fruits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists see breastfeeding as an important activity and bond between you and the child.

What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding?

Many medical experts recognize the importance of breast milk as it provides the baby with the necessary nutrition that is ideal for infants. A mother’s milk is complete with a perfect blend and mix of vitamins, fat, and proteins that are essential in the growth of a baby. The beauty of a mother’s milk is that all the ingredients mentioned above are easily digested by the infant compared to some of the formulas one purchases from the supermarkets.

A mother’s breast milk is known to contain antibodies that are essential to helping your baby’s immune system. It helps lower their chances of getting allergies or asthma attacks. Many babies that are breastfed often have fewer respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and even diarrhea thus reducing the number of trips they take visiting the doctor.

Studies have also linked breastfeeding to higher IQ scores in their later development when growing. Medical professional believes that the physical attraction, eye contact help parents to bond and feel secure when holding their babies.

Children who are breastfed are more likely to gain more weight that is right at their age rather than becoming overweight. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says breastfeeding plays an important role in the prevention of Sudden Infant death syndrome commonly known as SIDS and lower the risk of diabetes and other certain types of cancers.

Their lots of questions to whether breastfeeding a child also benefits the mother. Are there any benefits that the mother gets?

It is understood that mothers who breastfeed often burn calories which help them lose most of their weight at a faster rate. Breastfeeding releases a hormone known as oxytocin which is helpful in returning the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size thus reducing uterine bleeding after birth. Mothers who breastfeed lower the risk of them having breast and ovarian cancer and lowers one’s risk of getting osteoporosis.

Questions often asked by mothers is what the best position for them is to breastfeed their young ones. Many of the doctors and other medical experts believe that one’s best position is where you and your baby are comfortable and in a relaxed position hence reducing the limit that comes such as having to strain or being uncomfortable with your body. Some of the most common positions to breastfeeding include:

Cradle position that is used in resting the baby’s head in the crook of one’s elbow. It is advisable to position your body in a good way ensuring that their body is comfortable and supported.

The football position is where the mother line’s their baby’s back along with their forearm to hold their baby supporting both their head and their neck in their palm.

A side-lying position which is considered a great position for mothers to breastfeed at night. It is a great position whenever one is recovering from episiotomy which is an incision that is done to widen the vaginal opening during birth. Many gynecologists recommend the use of pillows under their heads to get comfortable when in the said position. It gives the mother an easier way to reach close to the baby while using their other free hand to lift their breast and nipple to reach their baby’s mouth.

From the above article, we find some of the benefits of breastfeeding to both the baby and the mother. What are your opinions on the above topic? Is breastfeeding important?