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Benefits Of Breast Feeding
August 30, 1999
While there are alternative foods available for your baby, when it comes to nutrition, there is no substitute for a mother’s breast milk. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies have fewer incidences of illnesses and enjoy some psychological advantages over their bottle-fed counterparts. In addition to nutritional benefits for your baby, there are also numerous maternal benefits to breast-feeding. Depending on the circumstances, some parents will decide to breast feed while others will prefer baby formulas. Regardless of your choice, we at babyant.com believe that it is important for all new and expectant parents to make informed decisions when it involves the health of their baby. We encourage our reader to discover the facts and share your findings with us. Feel free to e-mail us your thoughts or comments to comments@babyant.com.
The primary reason why many mothers choose breast-feeding over bottle-feeding is nutrition. A mother's breast milk is a blend of nutrients specifically produced for your baby. The unique combination of protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes is designed to promote the growth of your baby's brain and body. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies have lower rates of hospital admissions, fewer incidences of diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory infections, rashes, allergies, and other medical problems than bottle-fed babies. The reason for this is because breast milk contains countless number of nutrients, as well as a mother's antibodies to diseases, not found in baby formulas. These nutrients and antibodies are transferred automatically from the mother to the baby during breast-feeding.
Breast-feeding is also believed to have psychological benefits for the baby. The time spent on nursing promotes an early attachment between the baby and mother. Nursing becomes more than a way to feed a baby, but rather, a source of security and comfort for the baby. In addition, sucking at the breast enhances the development of oral muscles and promotes good jaw development. This exercise strengthens the jaw, helps speech development, and encourages the growth of straight and healthy teeth. It is recommended that a mother breast-feed for at least the first year, if not longer. This will provide the baby with sufficient and proper nutrition through the crucial first year of development.
In addition to benefits for the infant, breast-feeding can be beneficial for the mother as well. Since nursing burns calories, mothers may find it easier to lose the pounds from pregnancy. Breast-feeding is also cheaper and more convenient in many ways. There are no formulas to mix or purchase, which can prove to be quite a time and money saver. Remember that breast-feeding should not be viewed as a task. Rather, it is an opportunity for a mother to nurture and spend quality time with her baby.
If you are unsure whether breast-feeding is right for you, you can try it for a few weeks and switch if you do not like it. However, keep in mind that it is very difficult to switch to breast-feeding after bottle-feeding has begun. Because it is harder to suck milk out of a mother’s breast compared to a bottle, once the bottle is introduced it will be next to impossible to get your baby to breast feed again. Therefore, it is important that you consider the cost and benefits of breast feeding versus bottle feeding before your baby is born so that when your baby is ready for that first meal, you are prepared and comfortable with your decision.
While there are alternative foods available for your baby, when it comes to nutrition, there is no substitute for a mother’s breast milk. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies have fewer incidences of illnesses and enjoy some psychological advantages over their bottle-fed counterparts. In addition to nutritional benefits for your baby, there are also numerous maternal benefits to breast-feeding. Depending on the circumstances, some parents will decide to breast feed while others will prefer baby formulas. Regardless of your choice, we at babyant.com believe that it is important for all new and expectant parents to make informed decisions when it involves the health of their baby. We encourage our reader to discover the facts and share your findings with us. Feel free to e-mail us your thoughts or comments to comments@babyant.com.
The primary reason why many mothers choose breast-feeding over bottle-feeding is nutrition. A mother's breast milk is a blend of nutrients specifically produced for your baby. The unique combination of protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes is designed to promote the growth of your baby's brain and body. Studies have shown that breast-fed babies have lower rates of hospital admissions, fewer incidences of diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory infections, rashes, allergies, and other medical problems than bottle-fed babies. The reason for this is because breast milk contains countless number of nutrients, as well as a mother's antibodies to diseases, not found in baby formulas. These nutrients and antibodies are transferred automatically from the mother to the baby during breast-feeding.
Breast-feeding is also believed to have psychological benefits for the baby. The time spent on nursing promotes an early attachment between the baby and mother. Nursing becomes more than a way to feed a baby, but rather, a source of security and comfort for the baby. In addition, sucking at the breast enhances the development of oral muscles and promotes good jaw development. This exercise strengthens the jaw, helps speech development, and encourages the growth of straight and healthy teeth. It is recommended that a mother breast-feed for at least the first year, if not longer. This will provide the baby with sufficient and proper nutrition through the crucial first year of development.
In addition to benefits for the infant, breast-feeding can be beneficial for the mother as well. Since nursing burns calories, mothers may find it easier to lose the pounds from pregnancy. Breast-feeding is also cheaper and more convenient in many ways. There are no formulas to mix or purchase, which can prove to be quite a time and money saver. Remember that breast-feeding should not be viewed as a task. Rather, it is an opportunity for a mother to nurture and spend quality time with her baby.
If you are unsure whether breast-feeding is right for you, you can try it for a few weeks and switch if you do not like it. However, keep in mind that it is very difficult to switch to breast-feeding after bottle-feeding has begun. Because it is harder to suck milk out of a mother’s breast compared to a bottle, once the bottle is introduced it will be next to impossible to get your baby to breast feed again. Therefore, it is important that you consider the cost and benefits of breast feeding versus bottle feeding before your baby is born so that when your baby is ready for that first meal, you are prepared and comfortable with your decision.
