August is National Breastfeeding Month, and you probably know from your doctor, family, friends, and your own research that breastfeeding is incredibly beneficial for both you and your baby. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 80% of moms in the United States begin breastfeeding, with over half of them still nursing at six months.
Nutrition Specially Designed for Baby’s Age and Stage
Breast milk is made of the perfect combination of nutrients, like proteins and vitamins, plus the fat that’s necessary for your baby’s growth. The composition of breast milk changes over time to meet your little one’s needs. In fact, the milk that women produce during the first few days after giving birth, called colostrum, is packed with antibodies and designed for a baby who has just been born. It's also got a lot of protein in it, which staves off baby's hunger until your regular milk comes in. As time goes on, your breast milk changes to provide a growing baby with the proper nutrition.
Baby's Health and Well-being
Antibodies contained in breast milk help to ward off cold viruses, which means your baby may be sick less often. Studies also find that children who were breastfed may have less of a chance of developing asthma or allergies and suffer from fewer intestinal problems and infections. Breastfeeding babies take in enough milk to gain an appropriate amount of weight, which discourages obesity and the development of diabetes years into the future.
While nursing, both you and your baby enjoy skin-to-skin contact, which makes for a happier, more stable baby. Breastfeeding also reduces the incidence of SIDS by nearly 50%.
Mom’s Health Benefits Now and in the Future
Breastfeeding helps your baby, but there are also all kinds of advantages for you, too! Of course, breastfeeding is much less expensive than formula. Many moms say that they were able to lose their pregnancy weight quickly due to calorie burn, plus the hormones released during nursing causes the uterus to contract more quickly. Breastfeeding saves time since you won't have to worry about bottles – food is always right there, anywhere you go. Plus, women who breastfeed for an extended period of time are less likely to develop osteoporosis and suffer from bone fractures after middle age.
If you’d like to breastfeed after your baby is born, be sure to talk to your doctor and contact an organization like the La Leche League which can provide information, support, and education.
