As we all know, breastfeeding is very beneficial for both the baby and the mother. Breastfeeding is beneficial in many ways, from 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 the article I have compiled for you.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
1 . Strengthens Your Bond
Breastfeeding is exclusively female. During breastfeeding, a hormone called oxytocin is released from the mother’s body, which contributes to the development of maternal instinct and strengthens the bond between mother and baby.
2 . Meets the Emotional Needs of the Baby
You breastfeed while holding your baby in your lap. Cuddling is a very important need for babies. Research shows that premature babies who are not held are at higher risk of developing psychological disorders. Therefore, holding the baby during breastfeeding is an important factor for the baby’s mental development.
3 . Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, especially in mothers who breastfeed their babies for at least 24 months, the risk is reduced by 25%.
4 . The Healthiest Food for Baby
Breast milk is rich in protein, minerals, zinc and fat. In addition, the immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides and essential nutrients it contains are very important for your baby. It has all the values necessary for the baby’s development. It’s always ready, it doesn’t need a package. The baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months and breastfeeding should continue until the age of 2.
5 . Ensures the expulsion of meconium
Babies are born with a thick, sticky substance called meconium in their intestines. In breastfed babies, it is much easier to remove meconium from the intestines. Breastfeeding protects babies from necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that affects the intestines.
6 . Strengthens the Immune System
Breast milk builds, protects and strengthens the baby’s immune system. Formula does not have this kind of benefit. Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from illnesses such as flu and colds.
7. Facilitates uterine contraction
The hormone oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding to contract the milk ducts, also has an effect on the uterus. Breastfeeding mothers therefore have a shorter time for the uterus to return to its original size after childbirth. If the mother does not breastfeed, it takes longer for the uterus to return to its pre-baby size.
8 . Reduces Bleeding
Breastfeeding your baby reduces postpartum bleeding. The hormone oxytocin, which is released with breastfeeding, provides this effect. The hormone oxytocin makes the uterus contract and facilitates the closing of open blood vessels. This helps to reduce bleeding after childbirth.
9 . Facilitates Weight Loss
Mothers who breastfeed their babies spend an average of 500 extra calories a day, which helps to easily get rid of pregnancy weight after childbirth.
In addition, you should drink plenty of water and 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, A.K., “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
