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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

Benefits Of Breast Feeding

While the fetus is developing in the womb, it gets all the nutrients it needs from the mother via the umbilical cord. This includes valuable compounds which help the baby’s immune system to protect it from harm. But after birth, a baby’s immune system is still not fully mature. Fortunately, nature has developed a clever solution – breastfeeding.

Colostrum
During the first few days of a baby’s life, the mother’s breast forms and delivers something called colostrum. This is a thin, whitish or yellowish fluid that comes through the nipple, just as milk does. It is rich in fats, carbohydrates, white blood cells and other compounds that both nourish and provide immune system protection.

Colostrum contains proteins, most especially immunoglobulins, a type of antibody. These antibodies are one of the body’s foremost weapons against invading bacteria, fungi, viruses and other disease-causing organisms. Among other benefits, the antibodies from colostrum coat the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and help prevent bacteria in the gut from entering the bloodstream. The colostrum also contains numerous macrophages; small cells that envelop and carry away disease causing germs.

Nutrition
The breastfed baby also receives the best nutrition possible. Nature has evolved breast milk to contain everything a newborn needs. Fats, for example, which adults strive so hard to minimize, are essential for the proper development of the nervous system. They help regulate the hormone system, too.

Carbohydrates are the body’s energy source. They are another category of food calories that dieting adults will often try to keep down, but babies should never be put on a diet! Breast milk is rich in carbohydrates of just the right type and quantity to help babies develop in an optimal way.

Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding is highly beneficial for babies. Most strongly suggest that breastfed babies have a better start in life than those who are bottle fed. The rate of infectious disease is lower among newborns who are breastfed. The odds of infant diabetes are lower according to some studies. Breastfed babies see fewer hospital and doctor visits.

Breastfeeding is also good for the mother!
When a mother doesn’t breastfeed, the milk ‘comes in’ anyway. She may experience an uncomfortable sensation in the breast, swelling, and flu-like symptoms until the milk goes away again.

The bonding that takes place between mother and newborn during breastfeeding is hard to measure medically. But the benefits are observable and real. This quiet time between mother and child are good for them both. Some reliable studies suggest that breastfeeding also helps lower the odds of ovarian and breast cancers. Breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation and menstruation. That gives the recovering mother a break from having to deal with periods during a very busy time of life. At the same time, it reduces the odds of another pregnancy right away – but should not, however, be considered a reliable form of contraception!

If you can, give your newborn the best possible start in life by breastfeeding. Give yourself the benefits as well. Nature has evolved this excellent method for optimizing the health of mother and child, so take advantage of all it has to offer.

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

More about Feeding Your Baby

More about Newborn Babies

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