Breastfeeding

Having a baby is one of life’s best moments. But along with the ultimate happiness comes a string of tough responsibilities. Taking care of the baby and giving him all the necessary pampering and love is a complex task. Fortunately, mothers are blessed with the most natural means of raising their children.

No one can argue with the fact that breastfeeding is best for all babies. The breast milk contains the necessary nutrients that babies’ need. Further, breastfeeding them prevents the onset of diseases.

Studies confirmed that breastfeed babies are less likely to have rashes, ear infections, allergies, hospital admissions, diarrhea, and other common medical conditions. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits than bottle feeding and rarely seem to have any disadvantages.

Infant formula which is derived from cow’s milk is made up of a different protein type than that contained in the human milk. Plus, it does not offer the kind of nutrients that babies need. Since infants are not very good at digesting the protein in the cow’s milk, bottle fed babies are generally fatter than those who are breast fed. Breast milk possesses about 100 ingredients more than the cow’s milk.

When mothers breast feed their babies, their antibodies are also taken in by their babies. Because of this, the babies have a reduced risk of developing illnesses such as bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, measles, staphylococcal infections, ear infections, and botulism. In fact, about 80% of breast milk cells are capable of killing fungi, bacteria, and most types of viruses.

Aside from being cost-effective, breastfeeding also enhances the mother-and-child bond. Breastfeeding allows the mother to cuddle her child several times each day, giving the baby a strong sense of security and attachment to the mother.

There are actually three benefits of breastfeeding that probably only a few people know about. First, babies who are breastfed smell a lot better than those who are bottle fed. Their stools have buttermilk-like smell which is far less offensive compared to the bottled fed’s stinky stools. Nappy change doesn’t have to be a grueling, unfortunate task.

Second, breastfed babies tend to have better skin texture than bottle fed ones. Most pediatricians claim that they can tell which babies are breastfed and which are not just by touching and looking at their skin. Breastfeeding gives babies smoother and softer skin. Bottle feeding tends to cause the babies’ skin to be dry and rougher, with patches that feel like sandpaper.

Third, babies who are breastfed are not only more likely to develop healthier bodies and brighter brains, but they have greater chances of having better vision. Studies found out that breastfed babies have advanced visual development known as visual acuity over bottle fed infants. The studies were specifically obvious among premature infants. Experts point out DHA as the main reason for this benefit. DHA, which is highly present in breast milk, is among the major structural elements of the eye’s retina. Like all tissues, it follows that the more you feed it, the better its growth and functionality are.

Breastfeeding does not only bring all good things to the babies. Mothers actually benefit from it too. Infant formula costs a lot. Studies show that about $1,200 is spent to feed a single baby every year. The American Academy of Pediatrics further revealed that around $400 will be saved when breastfeeding on the first year.

The benefits do not start and end with the mothers’ budget. Breastfeeding is advantageous to the mother’s health as well. It is said to reduce the risk of developing uterine, breast, and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, and promotes child spacing, postpartum weight loss, and emotional health.

With all these “pluses” and hardly any hitches, what more could you ask for?