Its world breastfeeding week (WBW) (Aug 1st to 7th) and the theme this year is "support breastfeeding for a healthier planet". The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding a newborn for the first 6 months of life, at the minimum and for up to 2 years.
There are so many benefits of breastfeeding to the mom and the baby likewise. Adjusting to breastfeeding is not easy for a new mom and the most difficult period is the 1st 6 weeks. Challenges that maybe faced include insufficient milk supply, poor latching by the baby, and poor techniques and positioning.
All breastfeeding moms requires all the help and support that they could get to ensure that breastfeeding is not stopped prematurely due to technical difficulties. Even though it may be challenging, knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding is a huge motivation for breastfeeding mothers to keep making efforts for breastfeeding to continue for at long as possible.
Benefits to baby
Breast milk contains some antibodies made in the mother protecting against various diseases. These antibodies cannot be found in any infant formula no matter how rich the formula is.
Breastfeeding creates a special bonding between the mother and the baby. This coupled with skin to skin interaction between mother and baby helps regulate the baby's body temperature and heart rate. You know the feeling of being held close, safe and secure in the mothers arm. That's why some babies feed sometimes for comfort only.
Breastfed babies are less likely to be overfed or overweight. The flow of milk during breastfeeding is slower and steadier that when feeding from a bottle. Thus, babies are able to know when they are full and stop. However when bottle feeding, the milk flows more easily and may result in overfeeding.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). By breastfeeding every so often even overnight, breastfed babies are less likely to sleep too deeply and or die in their sleep, which is the case with SIDS.
Breastfed babies are less likely to have allergies, be constipated or experience diarrhea. Allergies, constipation or diarrhea can occur when introducing food to the babies in the 1st 6 months as their digestive system may not be fully mature to handle such.
Benefits to mothers
Breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding and also helps the uterus to retract to it's original shape and size.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum depression and or anxiety, breast and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding tend to delay return of monthly period. Although this is not a reliable contraceptive method, no periods means less blood loss and thus less risk of developing anemia in the 1st few months after childbirth.
Benefits to the earth
Breastfeeding also has crucial, though subtle economical and environmental implications. It can save the family lots of money that could be spent on formula. This is the main point of this year's WBW theme. Direct breastfeeding & hand expression of breastmilk are efficient for reducing waste & saving energy & other resources. Breastfeeding creates almost no waste and uses very few natural resources, making it a critical component of a sustainable food system. Producing, packaging and distributing milk formula leaves behind a large carbon footprint and contributes to greater climate change.
Considering all the benefits of breastfeeding outlined above, all families should be encouraged to breastfeed for as long as possible except a medical situation precludes it. If you are having any issues with breastfeeding your little one please consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. And if after all you are still unable to breastfeed, do not feel guilty. Try all your best to nourish your baby by other means. All the best!
Breastfeeding resources
Apparently when it comes to breastfeeding you only need a few things: nursing cover, nursing bra, nursing pads and a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.
Disclaimer: all health information provided on this platform represent my opinion only and are for educational purposes only. Reading my blog is not intended to be a substitute for a visit to your local pharmacist, physician, dietitian, and other healthcare providers. Be sure to seek proper care from your nutritionist, family doctors or specialists when needed.
**Affiliate disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links, I may earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this website.
Comentarios