Breastfeeding is a natural and often convenient method of providing nutrition to a growing infant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition, with a range of benefits for infants' health, growth, immunity, and development. Formula can come close to replicating the benefits of breast milk, but many mothers still prefer to feed their youngsters their natural breast milk instead of formula.

 

Due to its unique combination of nutrients, breast milk can present a number of health advantages that begin at birth and continue throughout a child's life - even into adulthood. Some health experts believe that many of the health problems children face today can be prevented or decreased if they are exclusively breastfed up until six months of age.

 

Benefits for baby

 

Some of the initial benefits of breastfeeding include regulating healthy bacteria in the child's digestive system. Breastfed babies may have fewer cases of ear infections, bacterial problems and gastrointestinal infections. Breast milk also can work as an antibiotic agent against E. coli, staph and other conditions, says the La Leche League. The American Pregnancy Association advises that colostrum, the first excretion of food from the breast, contains high contents of carbohydrates, proteins and antibodies to help keep a newborn healthy. It also acts as a natural laxative and can clear the stomach of excess bilirubin, which can contribute to jaundice.

 

According to Baby Center, studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce a child's risk of developing certain childhood cancers. Scientists don't know exactly how breast milk reduces that risk, but they think antibodies in breast milk may give the child's immune system a boost.

 

In time, breastfed children may have lower rates of obesity later in life, and some children who were breastfed have lower instances of food allergies and autoimmune conditions.

 

Benefits for mother

 

Studies indicate that breastfeeding helps improve mothers' health as well as their children's. Breastfeeding can help a woman lose excess weight after birth by burning many calories from lactation. It also will stimulate the release of the hormone, oxytocin, which causes the uterus to return to its normal size more quickly. Breastfeeding serves as a natural form of birth control, protecting a woman from becoming pregnant again too soon.

 

The Natural Resources Defense Council says women who breastfeed are less likely to develop uterine, endometrial or ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also may prevent a mother's risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

 

Women who have breastfed attest to having an earlier and more substantial bond with their children as well, which can promote positive feelings and good mental health.

 

Mothers should explore breastfeeding upon giving birth. Lactation consultants can help first-time mothers get started.

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