5 Benefits of Breastfeeding for New Moms
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial things you can do for your baby.
Not only does it provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop, but it also helps to bond you and your child. Here are five benefits of breastfeeding for new moms:
Breast milk is packed with nutrients.
It contains all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop, including antibodies that help protect them from illnesses. It contains more protein, fat, and lactose than formula, making it more easily digestible for your baby. Breastmilk also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your baby’s brain development.
One of the most important parts of breastmilk nutrition is the natural enzymes, peptides, and growth factors contained in a mother's milk. These essential nutrients allow for easy digestion, promote gut health, and enhance brain development. They influence the microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in our intestines and play an important role in our overall health.
Breastfeeding can help you lose weight.
While you are breastfeeding, your body burns extra calories to produce milk, which can help you shed those post-pregnancy pounds. This is because your body is using stored fat to fuel milk production. In fact, you can burn up to 500 calories a day by breastfeeding! Breastfeeding is an easy way to lose any unwanted post-partum weight without dieting, which can cause unwanted stress and fatigue.
Breastfeeding can lower your risk of developing certain cancers.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding can lower a woman’s risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This is likely due to the fact that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s estrogen levels, which are known to promote the growth of cancer cells.
Breastfeeding can reduce your stress levels, boost mood, and fight depression
Breastfeeding can release the hormone oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone promotes bonding between mother and child, and it has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety.
Oxytocin has also been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can further reduce stress levels. It also reduces cortisol , the stress hormone, which can have harmful effects on the body if it is present in high levels.
Breastfeeding can save you money.
Formula is expensive, and breastfeeding is free! Especially with recent baby formula shortages, the cost of formula has become even more outrageous. Even if you factor in the cost of a good breast pump and storage bags, breastfeeding is still more affordable than buying formula.
Breastfeeding can be a bonding experience for you and your baby.
The skin-to-skin contact and eye contact that occur during breastfeeding can help to create a strong bond between you and your baby. This bonding experience can be beneficial for both of you, as it has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, but also sets the stage for proper emotional and spiritual development later in life.
Breastfeeding can give you peace of mind:
When you breastfeed, you know that your baby is getting the best possible nutrition. You don’t have to worry about whether or not they are getting enough to eat, or if the formula is agreeing with them. You can also be sure that you are giving them the antibodies they need to fight off illnesses.
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial things you can do for your baby. It provides them with nutrients they need to grow, helps you lose weight, and can even lower your risk of developing certain cancers. Not to mention, it’s free! If you are a new mom, consider breastfeeding as one of the best gifts you can give to your child.