Benefits Of Breastfeeding Your Baby: Breastfeeding Tips

 Breastfeeding your baby is crucial as it is loaded with nutritional value and is no less than nectar for your baby. Since childhood, we have been told that mother’s milk is the best thing in the world for a baby. Breastfed babies are well developed and well nourished as nutrition derived from the mother’s milk and is unparalleled in this world. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins. Breastfeeding helps in proper growth and development of your baby and helps fight infections by building up strong immunity. “Colostrum” - the first milk produced just before giving birth is a boon to mankind as it prevents Jaundice in babies by producing a laxative effect and the excess of dead red blood cells are removed through the first stool of your baby. 

Advantages of breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding your baby is the most important need of your baby. It is certified by doctors and medical practitioners that mother’s milk has all the right ingredients to build up a baby’s health. Your newborn baby gets whole nourishment from you, mother’s milk. The benefits of breastfeeding are as follows:

Nutrition

Formula milk or no other source of nutrition can match the mother’s milk. It is a storehouse of nutrition and provides unparalleled health and best of the well being for your baby.

Protection from the diseases

Breast milk will protect your baby from many diseases as the mother’s milk is rich in antibodies and it produces a defense mechanism against diseases.

Better Immunity

Breastfeeding strengthens the immunity of your baby and he attains better resistance towards infections and diseases as compared to the babies who are formula fed.

Better Gut and Digestive System:

Mother’s milk is easier to digest as after birth, the digestive system of your baby is poorly developed and the mother’s milk can easily be digested. Thus, it reduces the chances of diarrhea and strengthens the digestive system. In order to strengthen your baby’s gut, it is essential to feed him with it.

Fewer chances of Infection

Breastfeeding reduces the chances of infection in your baby as compared to babies who are bottle fed. Bottles may carry germs if not washed properly and can cause infection.

Reduced chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

Breastfeeding your baby can reduce the chance of SIDS caused due to respiratory or gastrointestinal infections in your baby. It prevents milk from getting into the nostrils.

Reduced chances of childhood cancer

Breastfeeding your baby is proved to prevent the cases of childhood cancer in your baby which may occur in babies less than 15 years of age. It produces antigens to prevent such a deadly disease.

Brain Development

Many studies have proved that if you breastfeed your baby, he will develop better IQ and will have a greater capacity to solve problems at an early age.

Better Cognitive Skills

Your milk will have a great impact on the overall personality of your baby. He is likely to have a better emotional quotient. He is likely to be more stable in behavioral and psychologically.

Good Bonding

You will have better bonding and strong hearty attachment with your baby as you breastfeed him. He feels all that love, care, and protection in that touch of yours. A sense of security develops in your baby.

Few of the other benefits include fewer chances of heart troubles, less dental troubles, fewer chances of getting obese in later stages of childhood. It also prevents the chances of allergies.

Apart from these main benefits to your baby, you do get benefitted in the course of breastfeeding. It reduces the chances of breast and ovarian cancer in you by producing less estrogen and helps in better protection of your ovary and uterus. It may prevent you from osteoporosis due to weaker bones in later stages of life. 

Things to keep in mind while breastfeeding your baby

Now that we know breastfeeding is the key to your healthy baby and you do take good care and follow certain health protocols:  

1. Since you have decided to breastfeed your baby, it is necessary for you to take proper nutrition. Milk is very important and so are foods rich in the proteinaceous diet to maintain healthy bone density.

2. Avoid food that is very oily or fried as they may cause acid reflux, bloating or flatulence and the same may pass on to your baby.

3. It is essential to be happy and calm as the hormones released due to anxiety or anger may have a harmful effect on your baby. A happy state enhances milk production. 

4. Engage yourself in some mild breathing exercise and yoga. It is a great stress buster and helps relax your mind and body. 

5. Spend quality time with your baby as it helps better bonding between you and your baby and it will allow you to understand his needs better. You will learn his sign of hunger.

Nursing your baby is one of the most precious experience but you need to learn to be patient, calm and relaxed in your approach to get the best out of your baby. Always keep his comfort in mind while feeding him and your baby will flourish and grow magnificently.

When to see a doctor: While breastfeeding your baby

Though from day one, you are advised to nurse your baby if you are on any ongoing medication for any illness, kindly consult the doctor before nursing. Doctor’s guidance is necessary in case your baby is preterm. It is also advisable to get the prescription for any supplements needed to nourish both you and your baby.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.