As we all know, breastfeeding is incredibly beneficial for both baby and mother. It offers numerous advantages, from strengthening the bond between mother and baby to reducing the risk of uterine cancer. You can find some of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby in this article I've compiled for you.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
1. It strengthens your bond.
Breastfeeding is a behavior unique to women. During breastfeeding, a hormone called oxytocin is released from the mother's body, which contributes to the development of maternal instincts and strengthens the bond between mother and baby.
2. Meets the baby's emotional needs.
You breastfeed your baby while holding them in your arms. Being held is a very important need for babies. Studies show that premature babies who are not held have a higher risk of developing psychological problems. Therefore, holding your baby during breastfeeding is an important factor for their mental development.
3. Reduces the risk of breast cancer.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, especially in mothers who breastfeed their babies for at least 24 months; this risk is reduced by a factor of 25 (%).
4. The Healthiest Food for Babies
Breast milk is very rich in protein, minerals, zinc, and fat. In addition, the immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, and essential nutrients it contains are extremely important for your baby. It has all the necessary values for your baby's development. It's always readily available; no packaging is needed. Babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, and breastfeeding should continue until the age of 2.
5. It facilitates the expulsion of meconium.
Babies are born with a thick, sticky substance called meconium in their intestines. In babies who are breastfed, the meconium is much easier to pass from the intestines. Breastfeeding protects babies from a disease called Necrotizing Enterocolitis, which negatively affects the intestines.
6. Strengthens the Immune System
Breast milk builds, protects, and strengthens a baby's immune system. Formula milk does not offer this benefit. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to catch illnesses such as the flu and common colds.
7. It facilitates the shrinking of the uterus.
The hormone oxytocin, which is released to contract the milk ducts during breastfeeding, also affects the uterus. Therefore, in breastfeeding mothers, the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly after childbirth. If the mother does not breastfeed, the time it takes for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size is longer.
8. Reduces bleeding.
Breastfeeding can reduce postpartum bleeding. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, has this effect. Oxytocin helps the uterus contract and closes open blood vessels, which in turn helps reduce bleeding after childbirth.
9. Makes weight loss easier.
Mothers who breastfeed their babies burn an average of 500 extra calories a day, which helps them lose pregnancy weight more easily after childbirth.
In addition to all of this, you should not neglect drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest while breastfeeding.
Source :
1 . Uvnas-Moberg, Eriksson: Breastfeeding: physiological, endocrine and behavioral adaptations caused by oxytocin and local neurogenic activity in the nipple and mammary gland.: Acta Paediatrica, 1996 May, 85(5):525-30
2 . Freudenheim, J. et al. 1994 “Exposure to breast milk in infancy and the risk of breast cancer”.Epidemiology 5:324-331
3 . Koutras, AK, “Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Breast Milk vs. Formula Feeding in Early Infancy”. J. Ped Gastro Nutr 1989.
4 . Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. “Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity.”Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 101:804-805
Turkish 
English 
