The benefits of breastfeeding and breastfeeding tips
No mistakes - Breast milk is the ideal baby food. It has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrate, and fluids that new-born babies require.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing infection
On average, breastfed babies have fewer infections in their early life. In particular, they have less diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections, and ear infections compared to babies who are not breast fed. The main reason for this is that antibodies and other proteins are passed in the breast milk from mother to baby. These help to protect against infection.
In developed countries such as the UK the reduction in the risk of infection is significant. In developing countries such as certain countries in Africa the reduction in the risk of infection is dramatic. For example, a review in 42 developing countries estimated that exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with partial breastfeeding continuing to 12 months, could prevent 1.3 million deaths each year in children under five years.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cot death
There is good evidence that sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) is less common in breastfed babies. This is not fully explained, although the fact that breastfed babies have fewer infections is possibly a contributing factor.
Developmental and emotional factors
One study reported that performance in childhood intelligence tests was better in children who had been breastfed compared to those who had been bottle fed. It is difficult to assess emotional factors, and no firm conclusions can be drawn. However, it is thought that breastfeeding enhances the 'bonding' process between baby and mother.
Advantages in long-term health
Many studies have looked at the possible long-term health benefits of breastfeeding. There is now good evidence that, on average, the following health problems in later life are less common in those who had been breast fed compared to those who had not:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol level
- Eczema
- Diabetes
- Leukaemia
- Asthma
As mentioned, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides maximum benefit. However, there is still a reduction in the risk of developing the above diseases even in partial breastfed babies, and in those who breastfeed for a shorter time.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?
Advantages to health
Various studies have looked at the possible health benefits to women who have breastfed. There is now good evidence that, on average, the following health problems are less common in women who have breastfed one or more babies compared to those who have never breastfed:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Postnatal depression
Another health benefit for some mothers is that it is easier to lose weight after giving birth if you are breastfeeding, you might call it a breastfeeding diet! (Mine included cake every afternoon and I still lost weight!)
Convenience
Breastfeeding is the most convenient method of feeding. There is no preparation time, and it is always available.
Financial
Breastfeeding is cheap. Actually, it is free!
Public breastfeeding was something I always had a problem with until I had my Thrupenny Bits cushion to use anywhere. Getting the right breastfeeding accessories, such as breastfeeding bras or the right breastfeeding pillow could make all the difference, especially for the correct breastfeeding positions.
As a mother breastfeeding if you are encountering breastfeeding problems the Australian breastfeeding association is great. Plus there’s plenty of other breastfeeding info out there.
The breastfeeding benefits are too numerous to mention so you could say to breastfeed or not is something of a no brainer.