Breastfeeding is one of the most recommended and expected duty a mother ought to fulfil. Aside from the ones mentioned, it can also prove to be a very rewarding experience not only for the mother but more importantly for the baby. In line with women’s health care, let us learn the many good things breastfeeding has to offer to the valiant and admirable mothers of the world.
Colostrum, or the scientific term for the early form of the mother’s milk, is also referred to as the liquid gold. It is the thick yellow substance that comes during conception and right after giving birth. It is highly filled with nutrients and antibodies that would make the baby healthy and protect the baby from diseases. Though the baby only gets really small amount of colostrums every breastfeeding session, that will suffice for his little tummy and body.
The thick yellow substance would then transform into what is called the mature milk. It is rich is protein, fat, water, and sugar that would contribute in helping the baby grow and develop. It is thinner as compared with colostrum but it still manages to cover up the nutritional needs of the baby.
As compared to cow’s milk, a mother’s milk is easier to digest especially in the case of premature babies. If you give them formula milk, their little tummies would still have to adjust to the milk solution unlike with the breast milk that is especially made for them.
Breast milk also strengthens the baby’s immune system and aids him or her to combat certain diseases. The composition of the breast milk is something formula milk can never equal and most especially never overcome. As a matter of fact, ear infections and cases of diarrhea are more commonly found among babies fed with formula milk. Moreover, giving your baby a mother’s milk would lower their risk of acquiring certain gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some studies even show that breast milk can also lessen the risk of acquiring type 1 diabetes, childhood leukemia, atopic dermatitis which is a form of skin rash, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Of course, breastfeeding is not only something that benefits the offspring but also is a beautiful process even mothers must celebrate. Practically, breastfeeding makes attending to the baby’s needs easier. A new mother may find it somehow challenging at first but once she gets used to it, she will realize that it actually is a simple routine. Moreover, there would be no more washing and sterilizing of bottles, preparation of the formula milk, nor preparing hot water. When a baby cries for milk, all a mother needs to do is to go to her baby and start breastfeeding.
Moreover, breastfeeding saves money not only because she needs not to buy milk but also because it would help her baby be less prone to sickness.
Also, it is good for the mother’s health because it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, and postpartum depression.
Yes, breastfeeding has a lot of good things to offer. It would always be best to feed your child with a mother’s milk.