Breastfeed your baby as much as you can, ideally for at least 1 to 2 years. Even companies that sell formula products like Nan Pro Stage 1 and Aptamil include an important notice in their descriptions: ‘Breast milk is the best milk for your baby.
Formula or powdered milk is available in the market in a wide variety for babies and gives mothers a break from breastfeeding. However, doctors recommend breastfeeding your baby for at least one year because there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby. Babies who are breastfed are generally healthier and develop a strong bond with their mothers. In the past, mothers breastfed for more than two years to lose weight and protect themselves against illnesses and diseases, but today, breastfeeding for one year is considered sufficient because many mothers are working, may not follow a proper diet, and have other responsibilities that make extended breastfeeding difficult.
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10 Important Benefits of Breastfeeding
1. Perfect Nutrition
Breast milk contains fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates, which are essential for your baby’s growth and development. It is easy to digest and provides complete nutrition.
2. Protection
One of the key benefits of breastfeeding is that it protects both mother and baby from serious illnesses. It strengthens the baby’s digestive system and prevents the growth of harmful germs that can be introduced by others handling the baby. The initial milk, called colostrum, helps prevent ear infections, diarrhea, and lung infections. It also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For mothers, breastfeeding lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
3. Intelligence
According to research, breastfeeding is associated with higher IQ and brain development in babies. Breastfed babies tend to be more active and alert than those who are not breastfed.
4. No-Cost Investment
Breast milk is free. You can feed your baby anytime without spending money. All you need is a balanced diet, plenty of water, and lactation supplements as advised by your doctor. Formula milk, on the other hand, can be expensive and finishes quickly—sometimes in just two weeks. It also requires more preparation time, which can make babies cranky or impatient.
5. Ready to Use
Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature. There’s no need to boil water, heat milk, or sterilize bottles. It’s a convenient option, especially when traveling or moving from one place to another.
6. No Preservatives
Breast milk is natural and free of chemicals or preservatives. It doesn’t contain common allergens found in formula, such as milk, fish, or soy.
7. Good for Mother’s Health
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Research shows that breastfeeding is essential for at least the first 12 months. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, after which complementary foods can be introduced.
8. Good for Baby’s Health
Breastfed babies have a lower risk of obesity, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), type 1 diabetes, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory illnesses.
9. Pumping for Storage
Working mothers who are away from home for several hours can pump and store breast milk in the refrigerator. This allows the baby to get used to bottle feeding and stay full in the mother’s absence.
10. Easy to Digest
Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, which can cause gas and constipation in some babies. Breastfeeding also helps save money by reducing the need to buy bottles, sterilizers, and formula.