If you are thinking of not breastfeeding your baby for various reasons you should rethink again as breastfeeding can provide you with numerous health benefits for you along with your baby.
Breastfeeding helps build your baby’s immune system and offers the perfect nutrition. Some of the health benefits include a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Take time to understand the benefits of breastfeeding and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for any help or concerns.
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are:
- Your breast milk meets all of your baby’s nutritional needs.
- Breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases.
- Breastfeeding provides health benefits for you.
- Breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it.
- Breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby.
According to research formula milk does not provide the same protection from illnesses and does not give you any health benefits and babies who are not breastfed are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.
It is recommended that you give your child breast milk for about the first 6 months (26 weeks) of your baby’s life.
After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside solid foods for as long as you and your baby want will help them grow and develop healthily.
Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby’s changing needs.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for you
Breastfeeding and the production of breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
Also see: Why singing in the shower is therapeutic
