Breastfeeding is a life-giving process that brings a new mom and her child closer together and begins the relationship with the deepest gesture of caring and love. The act of a mother feeding her newborn with milk from her own body is ancient, and while there are other options for newborn nutrition, none carry as many benefits for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding starts off a child’s life with the assurance that their mother is there for them, body and soul.
First, breastfeeding provides complete nutrition to a newborn, who cannot yet consume solid food and will become malnourished if they don’t receive breast milk or formula. But unlike formula from a bottle, the perfect balanced nutrients in the breastmilk will help provide a starting defense against infectious disease.
What is Breastfeeding and what are its benefits to mommies and babies?
Breastfeeding also creates Oxytocin in both the mother and baby, a hormone that will reduce stress, lower pain, and contribute to overall lower blood pressure. This hormone that comes partially from skin-to-skin contact reduces postnatal bleeding and helps lessen symptoms of postpartum depression. The skin-to-skin connection will also benefit the child’s cardio and respiratory health. Oxytocin is a hormone that continues to play a part in our happiness throughout our entire life.
Many studies have also suggested that babies who breastfed have fewer struggles with obesity, asthma, food allergies, and even dental problems later in life. And the long-term benefits for the mom are a lower risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding can be difficult for mothers. It is sometimes painful, and finding a private space to focus on the baby isn’t always easy. There is also a stigma against mothers who choose to breastfeed in public. However, the support for the process is growing, and many establishments are including nursing stations alongside family bathrooms. Mothers can also invest in babywearing carriers that make breastfeeding away from home more comfortable.
If the only reason for breastfeeding was the bond formed between mother and child, there is no question that it would be well worth it. But as we have seen, its positive effects are many for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding creates an instant connection, and the many health benefits support the beauty in this most important process.
Do you like to increase your breastmilk supply? See our suggestions here.
For your breastfeeding needs like breastmilk storage bags please visit our breastfeeding section here: