The World Health Organization recommends that newborns be exclusively fed breast milk until they are six months old, and then continue to be given breast milk with solids until the age of two. This recommendation comes due to the many benefits breast milk has, not only for the baby but for the mother as well.

 

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop healthily, and it is easily digested by the baby since it contains little solids. If your baby is on the way and you still have not decided if you will breastfeed, take a look at these benefits to be able to make a more informed decision, but remember that breastfeeding your baby or using formula milk is your decision.

 

Nutrients

Breastfeeding offers an almost perfect mixture of all the nutrients your baby needs up to the age of six months and remains an excellent source of nutrients for as long as you want to breastfeed. The only thing breast milk lacks is vitamin D, and that is why it is recommended to give babies vitamin D supplements.

 

Antibodies

Breast milk contains antibodies produced in the mother's body. Passing these antibodies to the baby considerably help in boosting their immune system and reducing the chance of developing infections, such as colds, the flu, middle ear infections, and many others.

 

Healthy Development

Breast milk contains everything the baby needs to develop and grow healthily. Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain, and it may even promote better brain development.

 

Weight Loss

Breastfeeding can be a great way for the mother to lose her pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding burns up to 500 extra calories per day, so nursing mothers can regain their pre-pregnancy weight quicker.

 

Depression Prevention

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition many new mothers face. It seems that mothers who breastfeed are less likely to become depressed than those who do not. The reason for this is not clearly established, but it is thought that certain hormones released in response to breastfeeding, such as the bonding hormone oxytocin, is responsible for reducing the risk for depression.

 

Lower Disease Risk

Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers are less likely to develop certain diseases and cancers than mothers who did not breastfeed. Diseases that breastfeeding may protect against include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and metabolic syndrome.