Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding is universally endorsed by the world’s health and scientific organizations as the best way of feeding infants. 1–3 Years of research have shed light on the vast array of benefits not only for children but also for mothers and society.

I am sure, Parents always tend to want to do what is best for their children, including breastfeeding their infants. While can be uncomfortable to do in a public setting, the link between mother and child grows dramatically when the baby eats from its mother breast. In addition to strengthening the bond between parents and children, there are many benefits associated with medical breastfeeding.

Some of the health benefits of breastfeeding your baby :

protection against gastrointestinal trouble

score higher on cognitive and IQ tests at school age, and also on tests of visual acuity

have a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

are less likely to suffer from infectious illnesses and their symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, meningitis)

have a lower risk of the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerativecolitis)

suffer less often from some forms of cancer (e.g., Hodgkin’s disease, childhood leukemia)

have a lower risk of juvenile onset diabetes, if they have a family history of the disease and are breast fed exclusively for at least 4 months

may have a lower risk of obesity in childhood and in adolescence

have fewer cavities and are less likely to require braces

are significantly protected against asthma and eczema, if at risk for allergic disorders and exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months

Research studies have found that the first milk your body produces contains immune factors that protect against germs in the formation of a protective coating on your baby’s mucous membranes in the intestines, throat and nose. So it is important for mothers to initiate breast-feeding her child directly after birth.

Breastfeeding your baby helps protect your infant child from gastrointestinal trouble as well as respiratory problems and ear infections. Many research studies have been conducted around the world and have concluded less diarrhea, fewer ear infections, and less respiratory diseases in children who were breastfed. Women who participate in research studies to their babies exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months.This means that the infant consumed only breast milk, no solid food.

Many research studies have also found that breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months can reduce the chances of the child developing allergies. At least one research study has proven that this lasts up into the age of adolescence. Breastfed babies are also at less risk of developing asthma up to the average age of 6.

In addition to the above research studies, other studies have been conducted and have found possible links between breastfeeding and the child’s IQ. In these research studies, people who had been breastfed at least for the first six months of their lives scored higher on IQ tests. Experts have said that the emotional bonding associated with breastfeeding may be a key factor in this, but that fatty acids in breast milk just may play the larger role in a baby’s brain development.

While breastfeeding is not always a viable option, when it can be done, it can be beneficial to both mother and child. Not only is the bonding experience incredible, but the health benefits associated with breast feeding are numerous. Whenever the option is viable, a mother should consider breast feeding her child, because it is best for both mother and child.

As the old saying goes….breast fed is best fed!