Breastfeeding has long been lauded by the healthcare community for its many benefits, including the opportunity to allow mothers to bond more with their children. Now, even the stigma of public breastfeeding is starting to wane and the practice is becoming more accepted. Here are some of the top benefits to breastfeeding your child.
- Source of colostrum—Colostrum is the milk produced in the first couple of days and it will help your child’s digestive system so that it can function properly early on (https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-benefits.html).
- Protection from diseases—A great deal of research has been done on the different diseases and other ailments that children are less likely to get if they were breastfed. Among these are: meningitis, ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, SIDS, and type 2 diabetes (http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby_8910.bc).
- Protection from allergies—Allergies seem to be even worse than ever among younger generations. But one way to prevent food allergies in a child is with breastfeeding.
- Protection from obesity—Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic levels. Breastfed babies are more likely to have a healthy diet later on in life and also have more leptin in their system. This is a hormone that helps to regulate diet, appetite, and fat.
- Benefits for mom—Your child isn’t the only one who will get benefits from being breastfed. Moms who breastfeed are less likely to gain and retain weight after the pregnancy and are also less likely to develop osteoporosis (http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/breastfeeding/20-breastfeeding-benefits-mom-baby). It can also lower your risk for breast and ovarian cancer and help with postpartum healing.
