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02.22.22
The benefits of breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. Once solid foods are introduced, breastfeeding may continue until the baby is at least one year old, or until it feels right for mom and baby to move on.
As you consider this option, it’s worth reviewing the benefits to both your baby and you.
Breastfeeding benefits for baby
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies. Breast milk is the only food your baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during your baby’s first month.
During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. Colostrum, which is high in protein and full of beneficial compounds, is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.
The only thing that may be lacking from your milk supply is vitamin D. Most women won’t have enough vitamin D in their breast milk, and vitamin D drops for your baby is usually recommended.
Breast milk contains important antibodies. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in your baby’s early months. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as other antibodies.
Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk. Exclusive breastfeeding, meaning that your baby receives only breast milk, may reduce your baby’s risk for illnesses and diseases, including ear infections, colds, respiratory tract infections, and allergies. Breastfeeding is also linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity. This may be because breastfed babies have higher amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage. Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake—they’re better at eating only until they’ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
Breastfeeding benefits for mom
Breastfeeding promotes faster weight loss after birth. When you’re breastfeeding, you burn about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain your milk supply.
Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract. After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its pre-pregnancy size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding, encouraging uterine contractions that help the uterus return to its previous size.
Breastfeeding reduces your risk of disease. The total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed also have a lower risk for diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Breastfeeding can prevent menstruation. Continued breastfeeding pauses ovulation and menstruation. The suspension of menstrual cycles may be nature’s way of ensuring there’s some time between pregnancies.
Breastfeeding is convenient. It reduces time spent cleaning, sterilizing bottles, and warming up bottles.
As you consider this option, it’s worth reviewing the benefits to both your baby and you.
Breastfeeding benefits for baby
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies. Breast milk is the only food your baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during your baby’s first month.
During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. Colostrum, which is high in protein and full of beneficial compounds, is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.
The only thing that may be lacking from your milk supply is vitamin D. Most women won’t have enough vitamin D in their breast milk, and vitamin D drops for your baby is usually recommended.
Breast milk contains important antibodies. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in your baby’s early months. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as other antibodies.
Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk. Exclusive breastfeeding, meaning that your baby receives only breast milk, may reduce your baby’s risk for illnesses and diseases, including ear infections, colds, respiratory tract infections, and allergies. Breastfeeding is also linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity. This may be because breastfed babies have higher amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage. Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake—they’re better at eating only until they’ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
Breastfeeding benefits for mom
Breastfeeding promotes faster weight loss after birth. When you’re breastfeeding, you burn about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain your milk supply.
Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract. After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its pre-pregnancy size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding, encouraging uterine contractions that help the uterus return to its previous size.
Breastfeeding reduces your risk of disease. The total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed also have a lower risk for diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Breastfeeding can prevent menstruation. Continued breastfeeding pauses ovulation and menstruation. The suspension of menstrual cycles may be nature’s way of ensuring there’s some time between pregnancies.
Breastfeeding is convenient. It reduces time spent cleaning, sterilizing bottles, and warming up bottles.
