13 Important Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Birth

When a woman gives birth, the first thing she wants to do is hold her child close and enjoy that special moment. However, many new mothers are unsure about whether or not to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and child, which is why it is recommended by health professionals worldwide.

Here are thirteen important reasons to breastfeed your baby after birth.

1) Weight Loss:

One of the main reasons to breastfeed is weight loss. Breastfeeding can help you lose the extra weight you put on during pregnancy.

Studies find that women who breastfed their babies for at least six months after birth were more likely to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy than those who did not breastfeed. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss

The study also found that breastfeeding can help you lose more weight than dieting or exercising alone. Make sure you invest in the best bras for breastfeeding to make the experience more comfortable.

2) Boosts Immunity and Lowers the Risk of Infection:

Breastfeeding helps to boost a baby’s immune system, which in turn lowers the risk of infection. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, “breastfed infants have a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses.” In addition, breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

3) Aids in Digestion and Reduces Infant Mortality:

The World Health Organization recommends that the no.1 reason to breastfeed babies within the first hour of life is to help prevent infant mortality. This is because breast milk contains colostrum, which is packed with antibodies and helps to protect newborns from infection. Studies have shown that babies not breastfed are six times more likely to die from pneumonia and 11 times more likely to die from diarrhea than those who are breastfed.

4) Promotes Bonding and Lowers Stress Levels:

Among the greatest reasons to breastfeed your baby is to promote bonding between mother and child. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Birth, “breastfeeding is associated with increased maternal-infant bonding.” Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower stress levels in mothers and infants. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that “breastfeeding was associated with reduced maternal anxiety and depression.”

5) Regulates Hormones and Lowers the Risk of Postpartum Depression:

Breastfeeding helps to regulate a woman’s hormones, which can, in turn, help to lower the risk of postpartum depression. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, “breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression.” Additionally, breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

6) Improves Sleep Patterns:

Breastfeeding can help to improve sleep patterns in both mothers and infants. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, “breastfeeding was associated with longer and more frequent night-time sleep for infants.” Breastfeeding has also been shown to help mothers get more restful sleep. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that “breastfeeding mothers had less disturbed sleep than formula-feeding mothers.”

7) Lowers the Risk of Obesity:

Breastfeeding has been linked with lower rates of obesity later in life. One study found that babies breastfed for at least six months had a lower risk of being obese than adults. Another study found that breastfeeding may help reduce the amount of fat stored in the body, leading to obesity.

8) Reduces the Risk of SIDS:

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants under one year old. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for at least six months to reduce the risk of SIDS.

9) Improves Brain Development:

Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding can improve brain development in babies. For example, one study found that breastfed babies had higher IQ scores than those who were not breastfed. Another study found that breastfeeding improved cognitive development and increased the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and learning.

10) Builds Stronger Bones:

Breastfeeding has been shown to help build stronger bones. One study found that breastfeeding increased bone density in infants. Breastfeeding improves calcium absorption and helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

11) Reduces the Risk of Type II Diabetes:

Several studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of type II diabetes. Among women who had gestational diabetes, breastfeeding was associated with a lower rate of type 2 diabetes for up to 2 years after childbirth. Another study found that breastfeeding improved insulin sensitivity and helped to prevent the development of type II diabetes.

12) Protects Against Allergies:

Allergies are becoming increasingly common, but breastfeeding may help to protect against them. One study found that breastfed infants had a lower risk of developing allergies. Another study found that breastfeeding may help to reduce the severity of allergies in children.

13) Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers:

According to the National Institute of Health, “Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer.” Studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who don’t. Additionally, breastfeeding can also help protect against ovarian cancer. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that breastfed women had a 24% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than those who didn’t breastfeed.

One study found that breastfeeding was associated with a 24% lower risk of invasive ovarian cancer. Another study found that breastfeeding may help reduce breast cancer risk. Additionally, a number of studies have found that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

In Closing . . .

As you can see, there are numerous benefits and reasons to breastfeed, both for babies and mothers. Breastfeeding can improve the health of both mother and child, and it is a bonding experience unlike any other. If you are thinking about breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant to get started. Additionally, many resources are available online and in libraries to help you learn about breastfeeding and how to do it successfully.