Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom & Baby By LaToyia Williams, Case Manager, Healthy Start
It’s not always easy, but breastfeeding can be healthy for both baby and mom. New parents face many decisions, and a big one is the decision to breastfeed. What are the benefits? What will I need? Knowing a few facts will not only help you feel confident in your decision, it will help you make sure that whatever you decide, it’s best for you and your growing family. If you do decide to breastfeed there will be plenty of benefits—both physical and emotional. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages exclusive breastfeeding for six months to receive maximum health benefits. They suggest continuing to breastfeed up to the first birthday, even after you start introducing solid foods. Let’s look at 7 benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. 1. Provides ideal nutrition to your baby. It’s truly incredible: your body produces breast milk that’s specifically made for your baby in all the right proportions. In the first days after birth, your breast milk will be colostrum—a thick, yellow fluid that’s packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. After three to four days of colostrum, your breast milk comes in, allowing you to deliver more nutrients and calories to your growing baby. 2. Decreases your baby’s risk of viruses and infections. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help your baby fight bacteria and viruses. If you’re sick, for example, your body produces antibodies that can help your baby avoid that infection. Breast milk that’s pumped and stored continues delivering those antibodies to your baby even if you’re out for the evening or back at work.
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PROMOTING WELLNESS
