What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding Nutrition for Baby?

Breast milk provides the most ideal nutrition for infants-the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat and everything your baby needs to grow.  Breast milk is easily digested and contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding Nutrition reduces your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and episodes of diarrhea, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.

The physical closeness of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin, and eye contact all help you and your baby bond and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain appropriate weight as they grow rather than become overweight children. The AAP states that breastfeeding plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).  Ongoing research has linked breastfeeding to lowering the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, as well as linked higher IQ scores for the breastfed baby.

Are There Breastfeeding Nutrition Benefits for the Mother?

Absolutely! Breastfeeding Nutrition releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding post-birth. Breastfeeding has been proven to lowering your risk of breast and ovarian cancer and may also lower your risk of osteoporosis.  Since breastfeeding burns about 500 extra calories a day, it can help moms lose pregnancy weight faster.

Choosing to breastfeed saves you time and money, you won’t need to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles.  With less stress and more time, breastfeeding can provide a calm and relaxing environment with your newborn as you grow closer together and strengthen your emotional bond.