Benefits of Breastfeeding

Someone once said that he did not like the idea of breast feeding . He felt it was a sham and that babies should take more of formula feeds. Then I asked him why the formula feeds were prepared with breast milk as the template. Trust me, he went mute. !!

Quite a number of people are aware of some of the benefits of breastfeeding (especially exclusive breast feeding - "baby friendly") to the baby, but not many are conversant with how valuable it is to the mother and the family as a whole.

It is recommended by WHO and UNICEF that a child be exclusively breast-fed for 6 months, thereafter, give complementary feeds while still breast feeding for up to 2 years. *winks*.

To exclusively breast feed means to give only breast milk to the infant. No water, no other food.

So, here are some benefits:

To the baby:

•   It is readily available and accessible
•   It comes with the right taste and the right temperature

•   It contains all the essential nutrients such as vitamins, energy, fat, protein, minerals, even water , in the right proportion to aid the baby's growth
•   It reduces the risk of developing allergies and asthma, diabetes mellitus, tooth decay, and obesity later in life
•   It boosts the immunity of the baby against some common childhood infections like ear and chest infections
•   It is easily digested
•   It reduces the frequency of hospital visits
•   Helps the baby and mother to bond better
•   The stool is less offensive
•   Faster growth and development
•   Lovely skin and hair

•   It makes the child more intelligent ( I am sure you would love that)

To the mum:

• This by extension applies to the family.
• Exclusive breast feeding helps in child spacing

•   Reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer
•   Helps to attain pre- pregnancy weight more quickly
•   The tommy size reduces more quickly because the womb size reduces at a faster rate
•   It builds bone strength and prevents unnecessary breakage
•   It saves time and energy
•   It is cheap

So you may want to create more time to breast feed your baby. It is sure worth the hassle !!!

Have a wonderful breastfeeding time.