The Benefits of Breastfeeding

August is National Breastfeeding Month and we get asked questions regarding this topic quite frequently, specifically regarding the benefits of breastfeeding, therefore, we have laid out some of the basic benefits for the baby and the mother below.

Why should I breastfeed my child?

Breastfeeding has countless benefits, but some of the main reasons to consider breastfeeding your infant are the cells, hormones, and antibodies found in breast milk. These will help to protect your baby from many illnesses during infancy and throughout adult life. It is also important to note that breast milk will change daily to meet your baby’s unique needs. This happens by way of the baby’s saliva entering the mother’s body via the nipple during feeding. Once a baby's saliva enters the mother’s body, changes will biologically occur to provide what the baby needs.

Your first milk (the first 3-5 days) also includes colostrum, which is commonly referred to as liquid gold due to the yellowish color and the nutritional content. According to the Office on Women’s Health, “This milk is very rich in nutrients and includes antibodies to protect your baby from infections. Colostrum also helps your newborn's digestive system to grow and function. Your baby gets only a small amount of colostrum at each feeding because the stomach of a newborn infant is tiny and can hold only a small amount.”

In addition to being exactly what your baby needs there are some very interesting health benefits for the mother as well, which we will discuss below.

What are the benefits for the mother?

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the infant, but it can help with healing after giving birth. Additionally, breastfeeding has been linked to lower risks for the mother for Type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding may also help to make the mother's life a bit easier once you settle into a good routine as there will be no bottles or nipples to sterilize, no formula to measure and mix, and best of all during the night, you can satisfy the infant’s hunger immediately.

The bonding experience that breastfeeding provides is also important to note, as the skin-to-skin contact experienced during breastfeeding will make the baby feel secure, warm, and comforted.