We often hear the health advice “Breastfeeding is best for babies for up to two years and beyond.” Indeed, no other milk can measure up to your liquid gold in terms of providing nourishment for your baby. But do you know that us moms can benefit from breastfeeding as well? Yes, you read it right! Mothers can benefit from breastfeeding as well.
Benefits of breastfeeding for babies
- Your breast milk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs for the first six months. It provides your baby with all the vitamins, protein, fat, and everything else that your baby needs in order to grow.
- Breast milk also serves as protection from different diseases. It contains antibodies that will help your baby fight viruses and bacteria. It also lowers your baby’s risk for allergies, asthma, respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and diarrhea.
- As if nutrition and protection are not enough, breastfeeding has also been linked to improved mental, social, and even emotional development. The eye contact, physical closeness, and skin-to-skin touching during breastfeeding increase the bond between you and your baby and help your baby feel secure.
Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers
- Never mind the sleepless nights and no-nap days. Never mind the seemingly endless feedings. Never mind the muscle strains here and there. Despite those, you’re ironically doing your body good as well.
- A lot of moms can attest to the fat-burning benefit of breastfeeding. You see, when you breastfeed, you’re like doing cardio exercises. You might just be sitting there holding a baby but mom, believe us, you’re burning calories! Breastfeeding can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.
- The act of breastfeeding results in the release of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone can help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. It also reduces the risk of uterine bleeding. Â Breastfeeding also lowers your risk for osteoporosis and breast and ovarian cancer. Talk about protection against the Big C, moms!
Breastfeeding is not just simply hitting two birds with one stone. It’s more than that! It’s actually hitting two birds multiple times with one golden stone! So for all the preggy moms out there, believe that your body can produce enough milk for your babies and endure the endless feedings. And for the currently breastfeeding moms, you guys are doing a great job! Let’s all breastfeed on!
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