Breastfeeding is the process of feeding a baby with milk from the mother’s breast. It is the most natural way of feeding infants and provides numerous health benefits for both the mother and child.

Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, besides acting as a natural contraceptive. It is not only vital for the physical and mental growth of the baby, but it also has some benefits for the mother.

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers

Here are some benefits of breastfeeding for mothers:.

1. Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Research shows that breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, especially if a mother breastfeeds for at least a year.

Women who breastfeed for a total of two years during their lifetime reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by about 24 percent.

2. Helps to lose weight

Breastfeeding helps a mother lose weight gained during pregnancy. When a mother breastfeeds her child, it burns extra calories, which helps to reduce weight gained during the pregnancy period.

Additionally, after breastfeeding a baby, the uterus of the mother shrinks back to its normal size, reducing pregnancy weight.

3. Builds a strong bond with the baby

Breastfeeding is an excellent way for a mother to bond with her infant. Breastfeeding helps to release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes the mother-child bonding process.

It also leads to skin-to-skin contact, which plays a vital role in the baby’s emotional and social development.

4. Lowers the risk of postpartum depression

Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, a severe mood disorder that affects some women after childbirth. Breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones that help maintain the mood and reduce stress levels.

It also provides the mother with a sense of accomplishment, which boosts self-esteem and confidence levels.

5. Acts as a natural contraceptive

Exclusive breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive when done correctly. When a mother exclusively breastfeeds her baby, the prolactin hormone released suppresses estrogen production, which reduces the chances of an ovum maturing.

It is vital to note that this works only when the baby is less than six months old and is fed exclusively on breast milk.

Benefits of breastfeeding for babies

Here are some benefits of breastfeeding for babies:.

1. Provides complete nutrition

Breast milk is the most natural and complete food for infants. It provides all the essential nutrients required for growth, development, and immunity.

Breast milk contains a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, vitamins and minerals, and other important nutrients. It is easy to digest, and its composition changes as per the baby’s changing needs.

2. Reduces the risk of infections

Breast milk contains antibodies, white blood cells, and other immunity-boosting substances that help protect the baby against infections.

Breastfeeding helps lower the risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses.

3. Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a condition in which a seemingly healthy baby dies in its sleep without any explanation. Studies show that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS by 50 percent or more.

4. Promotes brain development

Breastfeeding can help promote better cognitive development in children. The fatty acids found in breast milk help promote healthy brain development, language, and motor skills.

Breastfed babies have higher IQ scores, better academic achievement, and better socioemotional development.

5. Promotes healthy weight gain

Breast milk provides the right balance of nutrients required for healthy weight gain in babies. It contains balanced levels of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, which are easily digested and absorbed.

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of obesity and other related conditions.

When should you breastfeed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding infants for six months, followed by the introduction of complementary foods.

You should breastfeed on demand, as much as the baby needs, during the first six months because it helps build the milk supply, and increases milk production. After six months, you can start introducing solid foods, but continued breastfeeding is recommended up to two years of age or beyond.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential process that provides several health benefits for both mothers and babies.

It’s a smart investment in the future, as it helps promote healthy development, and reduces healthcare costs associated with illnesses. It is a learning process for both the mother and baby, and requires patience, commitment, and support. Remember, breastfeeding is not only a personal choice but a vital health precaution for mothers.