Breastfeeding is characterized by a special bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding is a miracle of nature, with which you not only give your child a feeling of security, but also has a positive effect on both your baby and you.
Breastfeeding has these advantages for your child
Health benefits
Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby, it provides it with all the necessary nutrients and protects it. Because breast milk contains many living components that can help prevent diseases, fight infections and support the healthy development of your child.
According to scientific studies, if a child is exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life, they will suffer less from symptoms such as nausea, gastroenteritis, colds, diarrhea and fungal infections.
Of course, a breastfed baby also gets sick sometimes. But if the baby or its mother fall ill, the protective ingredients in breast milk increase. Babies who are breastfed often recover faster than children who are fed infant formula. The reason for this is that the breastfeeding mother’s body produces specific antibodies against the relevant infection.
Breastfeeding affects the development of your baby’s brain
Studies have shown that the brains of children who have been exclusively breastfed for at least three months contain 20-30% more white matter. This connects different brain regions and transmits signals between them. In addition, breastfeeding should even have a positive effect on social behavior.
Benefits on your baby’s sleep
The oxytocin that is released in your child’s body when breastfeeding causes them to go back to sleep more quickly. Other hormones and nucleotides in breast milk also help your baby develop a good biorhythm.
Long term benefits
Breastfeeding babies do not only benefit during breastfeeding. Because the longer a baby drinks breast milk, the more positive it is on his health. When breastfeeding, the cuddle hormone oxytocin increases in your body and that of the child. This strengthens your bond and can be a strong foundation for future relationships.
Studies have even shown that the risk of later developing obesity or cancers like leukemia is lower in children who have been breastfed.
But breastfeeding is also beneficial for you as a mom!
Breastfeeding has these advantages for the mother
Health Benefits
The longer you breastfeed, the more health benefits it brings. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, the risk of developing some types of cancer decreases with each additional month of breastfeeding.
Everything you need is included
Once you and your child are a well-rehearsed breastfeeding team, it is a minimal effort. You always have everything you need with you and you don’t have to worry about cooking, mixing and disinfecting. Breast milk always has the perfect temperature and is perfectly hygienic.
Breastfeeding as a happy maker
Breastfeeding can actually help new moms find their motherhood and cope better with lack of sleep. The regular intake of happiness hormones lowers the blood pressure of breastfeeding women so that they are more relaxed and less stressed. In this way, breastfeeding will reduce the risk of the baby blues.
Breastfeeding helps you lose weight
About 500 calories per day are burned while breastfeeding. About as much as a one-hour bike tour. These extra calories burned can help shed the weight that came with pregnancy. Alternatively, it is of course a great justification for one more piece of cake!
Breastfeeding connects you and your baby
The oxytocin released during breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. The mere smell of breast milk and the closeness to mom relax and calm your child. After a while, you will notice that your baby is trying to imitate the loving expression that appears on your face while breastfeeding.
Saves money
Nice side effect: those who breastfeed save money on baby food! After a few months, the savings can turn into a proud amount!
Are you convinced? Then we wish you and your offspring a wonderful breastfeeding time and all the best! You can find tips for breastfeeding here .