Breastfeeding is Best Feeding
Every new mother faces the decision of whether or not to breastfeed her baby. The age-old cliché says “breast is best,” but what is it that makes breastfeeding a superior form of infant feeding? It is important that mothers be given the facts about breastfeeding so that they can make an informed choice. Let’s take a closer look at some reasons that make breastfeeding best feeding.
Promotes Bonding
Breastfeeding promotes bonding between the mother and the baby. Early and uninterrupted breastfeeding initiation can help to establish a great breastfeeding relationship. During breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and nipple stimulation occurs, causing a hormone called oxytocin to be released from the brain. Oxytocin is responsible for uterine contractions, which help to shrink the uterus and control postpartum bleeding, as well as promoting the bond between mother and baby. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love” hormone, as it enhances maternal-infant attachment by causing feelings of relaxation and euphoria, and increases nurturing behaviors towards the baby.
Perfect Food
Breast milk is species-specific food, making it the perfect food for a human baby. It is perfectly complete nutrition, containing all of the nutrients that the baby needs in addition to antibodies, living cells, and hormones. As the baby grows, the composition of breast milk changes to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. It provides the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates making breast milk easy for the baby to digest. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to become obese later in life. Breast milk is the ideal food for both physical and cognitive development.
Protects Babies
Breastfeeding provides the baby with lifelong health benefits as breast milk contains antibodies and immunities to many illnesses and diseases. Babies who are breastfed experience less childhood illnesses such as ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Additionally, babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop asthma, allergies, diabetes, childhood leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Baby girls who are breastfed are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Breast milk provides protection from meningitis and babies who are breastfed are less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The health benefits that breastfeeding provides are dose-dependent, meaning that the more breast milk the infant gets, the greater the health benefits. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for one year or beyond, and the World Health Organization recommends two years or beyond.
Protects Mamas
The health benefits of breastfeeding are not just for babies, but also for mothers. Mothers who breastfeed their babies are less likely to develop ovarian, endometrial and premenopausal breast cancer as well as osteoporosis. Breastfeeding also delays the return of menstrual periods, therefore decreasing the likelihood of anemia. Making breast milk requires 500-800 extra calories per day, which aids in losing extra baby weight.
More Convenient, Less Expensive
Breast milk is always readily available and the right temperature. Breastfeeding does not require bottle preparation. There is no mixing, heating or washing bottles. This is especially convenient in the middle of the night and when on-the-go. Because of the health benefits that breastfeeding provides, there are less sick visits to the doctor and health care costs are significantly reduced. Best of all, breast milk is absolutely free.
Earth Friendly
Breastfeeding is an environmentally friendly feeding method. It does not create unnecessary waste. There is no pollution created by producing, packaging, and delivering breast milk. The ecological impact of formula feeding is tremendous, producing a significant amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, since there is generally a delay in the return of the menstrual period, there is less waste created from menstrual supplies.
Considering these reasons to breastfeed, it’s hard to deny the fact that breastfeeding is best feeding, but even the mother with the best of intentions can experience difficulty. If you are experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding, consult with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Also, surround yourself with other new moms. There are many local resources available for new mothers such as mother-to-mother support groups, La Leche League groups, playgroups, and WIC peer counselors.