Breast feeding benefits

Breastfeeding has many benefits, but what are they specifically?

BENEFITS FOR THE BABY:

  • The breast milk is made in the right composition for the baby and adapts to the needs of the child.
  • The growth of the baby proceeds in the most natural way.
  • There is an optimal development of the brain and nervous system.
  • Breastfeeding contains antibodies and white blood cells against infections.
  • Breastfeeding offers protection against gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, colic, and abdominal pain), middle ear infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis, or reduces the severity of the disease.
  • Breastfeeding contains many probiotics that have a positive effect on a healthy build-up of the intestinal flora.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of long-term diseases such as allergies, eczema, asthma, diabetes, and obesity.
  • Breastfeeding promotes the mother-child bond.

BENEFITS FOR THE MOTHER:

  • Breastfeeding is more practical; you always have it with you, and it is always at the right temperature.
  • Breastfeeding is better for your health in the long run. After a long breastfeeding period, you run less risk of breast cancer or osteoporosis.
  • After giving birth, your uterus becomes smaller again more quickly. As a result, you have less blood loss and therefore less chance of anemia.
  • It's easier to get back to your old weight.
  • Menstruation lasts longer due to full breastfeeding.
  • Night feedings are much easier when breastfeeding.
  • Breastfeeding can boost your confidence as a mother.
  • It is cheaper than formula.

The WHO recommends full breastfeeding for 6 months. For proper development, your baby needs nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months. Only after 6 months does your baby need other foods such as vegetables and fruit in addition to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding for six months means passing on the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding to your baby. Of course, you have to fit this into your own living and working situation. Even if you have been able to feed for less than six months, breastfeeding remains extremely useful. The most important thing is that you breastfeed for as long as you and your baby like it. There are also women who choose to breastfeed their child for even several years.