Advantages of Breastfeeding

If you have become a mother for the first time, you might be anxious to do everything to help your tiny bundle of joy. You can certainly boost up your baby’s health by breast feeding. It has been noted that babies who have been breast fed, develop a healthy immunity and can successfully ward off sickness.

Studies have revealed that children who have been breast fed in their infancy have a much higher IQ level. They are also less prone to diarrhea and infections. They also have an improved social development.

The infantile immunity system remains under developed for some time. Breast milk can provide the baby with important antibodies which in turn protect the baby from allergies, food sensitivities and other serious illness.

Formula feeding involves a lot of work from washing and sterilizing the bottle to checking the right temperature for feeding. Breast milk, on the other hand is convenient and available at the right temperature always. You don’t have to worry about the added vitamins and minerals either. The baby will get its share of nutrients from you.

The mother benefits from breast feeding too. Feeding the baby will help you burn more calories. As a result, you can lose all those extra fat that had piled up during pregnancy. The suckling action of the baby also helps in contraction of the uterus helping it to return to its normal size and position much more quickly. Furthermore, the strong emotional bond that is created between your baby and you is incomparable.

You must, however, be careful of your diet while breast feeding. Remember that you can pass on your ailments to your baby if you neglect your health. Maintaining a balanced diet is important. Smoking and drinking alcohol must be stopped completely for the time being. But the inconveniences are minor and your baby’s benefit should be your primary concern now.

There may be instances when you are unable to breast feed your baby. Bottle feeding is an alternative but if it is best if you can  continue breast feeding till your baby is weaned off.