The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial). And scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is good for your health, too.
Breastfeeding is good for your baby because:
1. Breastfeeding provides warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between you and your baby.
2. Human milk has many benefits.
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It’s easier for your baby to digest.
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It doesn’t need to be prepared.
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It’s always available.
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It has all the nutrients, calories, and fluids your baby needs to be healthy.
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It has growth factors that ensure the best development of your baby’s organs.
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It has many substances that formulas don’t have that protect your baby from many diseases and infections. In fact, breastfed babies are less likely to have:
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Ear infections
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Diarrhea
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Pneumonia, wheezing, and bronchiolitis
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Other bacterial and viral infections, such as meningitis
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Research also suggests that breastfeeding may help to protect against obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, eczema, colitis, and some cancers.
Why is breastfeeding good for me?
Breastfeeding is good for your health because it helps:
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Release hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior.
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Return your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly.
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Burn more calories, which may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.
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Delay the return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body.
- Provide contraception, but only if these 3 conditions are met:
- You are exclusively breastfeeding and not giving your baby any other supplements
- It is within the first 6 months after birth
- Your period has not returned
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Reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
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Keep bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age.
Breastfeeding: A Natural Gift
Breastmilk gives your baby more than just good nutrition. It also provides important substances to fight infection. Breastfeeding has medical and psychological benefits for both of you. For many mothers and babies, breastfeeding goes smoothly from the start. For others, it takes a little time and several attempts to get the process going effectively. Like anything new, breastfeeding takes some practice. This is perfectly normal.
At Cleveland Pediatrics we want your breastfeeding experience to be a good one. For that reason we provide the services of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 20 years experience in caring for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Leetta Stanley, LPN, IBCLC, RLC is our triage nurse and lactation consultant. She has over 20 years of experience in pediatric nursing and breastfeeding. Leetta is available to help with any problems or questions you may have regarding breastfeeding. Please give our office a call at 423-479-9733
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