Key Reasons to Breastfeed

While some may expect breastfeeding to be something that happens naturally, we have spoken to many new moms who wish they had received more education and sought help earlier when it comes to breastfeeding. The task can certainly seem daunting, especially when you just could not get your baby to latch correctly. This is why having the right advice and guidance beforehand is an important first step in getting yourself set up for success.

Even before we get into details of how and when to breastfeed your baby, we think it’s crucial for you to understand WHY breastfeeding can be advantageous.

The headline answer is that breastfeeding brings major benefits, not only for your infant, but also for you! Long before we could drop by our local grocer and pick up formula, our bodies were already perfecting the ultimate fuel for our children. Your breast milk was designed specifically to meet all of the needs of your little one and its composition evolves as your baby start to have different nutritional demands.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the major benefits of breastfeeding for your child include:

Stronger immune systems
Less diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
Fewer colds and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough
Fewer ear infections, especially those that damage hearing
Fewer case of bacterial meningitis
Better vision and less retinopathy of prematurity
Lower rates of infant mortality
Lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Less illness overall and less hospitalization; parents have up to six times less absenteeism from work

But it doesn’t stop there. The great news for mom is that breastfeeding is mutually beneficial. You get the benefits too! They include:

Faster weight loss after birth, burning about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain a milk supply.
Stimulation to the uterus to contract and return to normal size.
Less postpartum bleeding
Fewer urinary tract infections
Less chance of anemia
Less risk of postpartum depression and more positive mood
Greater immunity to infection

Now with the understanding of these benefits, you may be increasingly excited at the prospect of breastfeeding your baby. Don’t forget, by learning the proper techniques and staying informed, you can increase the chances of having a satisfying breastfeeding experience!

Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

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