Breastfeeding Benefits

One of the most natural acts a mother can do is to breastfeed her child. Proven to be a health benefit, it’s true that nothing can ever beat the purity of breastmilk! Although formula, a chemical formulation, makes a wonderful alternative, still nothing can duplicate the properties of this natural supply. It’s a fact that breastmilk WILL always remain the ever most natural type of nutrition for infants (most especially for the first six months in life), which mothers can benefit from, as well.

1.Breastfeeding gives a closer contact with both mother and baby, making a beautiful way to bond.

2.It can reduce the risk of childhood diabetes, leukemia, asthma and other related conditions.

3.Reduces colic, stomach upsets and other related illnesses or infections your child may encounter.

4.Increases your baby’s bone density.

5.This brain food has polyunsaturated fatty acids, which helps develop higher IQ’s for the child.

6.Very cost-effective.

7.Helps the mother return to the pre-pregnancy state faster by promoting weight loss and a flatter belly.

8.Helps the uterus contract back to its normal size.

9.You never have to worry about finding the right formula for your baby.

10.It’s fulfilling to know that you give your baby the best start in life!

Calling for patience, coordination and practice, finding the best position that works best for you and your baby is worth the effort. Here’s a list: The cradle hold (the most classic position ever), the crossover hold (best for babies who have trouble latching on), the clutch or rugby ball hold (to avoid the baby resting on the stomach if the mother had a caesarean) and the reclining position (if you want to breastfeed lying down in bed when sitting is uncomfortable).

I would however, agree that is also a good practice to mix both breast milk and formula, most especially for mothers who have to go out of the house to work and, for the ones who don’t have a large supply of breastmilk. For mothers who have a lot of milk, another alternative is to store it (good-quality pumps are widely available) in the fridge (to store up to four days) or freezer (to store between 1-3 months depending on the bottle or bag) for when the mother isn’t around to directly nurse her baby.

As breastmilk has its wonders, you can’t get any purer than promoting healthier children!