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The Benefits of Breastfeeding

by Susie Hamilton
Breast Pumps Direct
Product Expert

Breastfeeding provides a multitude of benefits to both baby and mother. The natural transition of the newborn from the womb to breastfeeding will help to create a unique bond between mother and baby. The bond that is created during breastfeeding can be attributed to the release of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin creates a calming effect and helps to maintain milk production.

Breastfeeding is the most nutritious method for feeding your baby. Breastfeeding your baby from birth will aid in proper growth and development. Breastfed infants are less susceptible to illnesses and generally recover from sickness sooner than formula fed babies. The nutritional properties of breast milk also help to enhance cognitive development. Because of this, many often argue that breastfed children are smarter than those that are formula fed.

Breast Milk Contains:

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Minerals
• Proteins
• Antibodies

The high levels of carbohydrates, fats, and minerals in breast milk contribute to the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. The rich proteins in your milk will contribute to your baby’s growth while the antibodies will help your baby to gain protection against diseases.

The increased nutritional value of your breast milk will reduce the chance of your infant developing ear infections, SIDS, allergies, obesity, and gastrointestinal or respiratory infections. In the long run breastfeeding protects your child from developing chronic diseases and aids in the maturation of his or her immune system.

As a breastfeeding mother, there are also many benefits for you. You’ll begin losing your pregnancy weight at a faster rate and the increased levels of oxytocin in your system will minimize uterine bleeding and help to shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. Breastfeeding suppresses the early return of your menstrual cycle to ensure that your body is able to fully recover from giving birth.

Breastfeeding Reduces a Mother’s Risk of Developing

• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Urinary tract infections

Return to: Breastfeeding Basics