Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. Learn about the benefits of human milk and why only you can offer your baby the very best!
Immune System
Breastfed babies have fewer incidences of ear infections, diarrhea, gastrointestinal illness, colds, flu’s and other illnesses. Breastfed babies not only receive immunities through the Mother’s milk that protect baby from these illnesses, babies also receive “made to order” immunities to anything baby may have been exposed to in terms of viruses and bacteria. This built in protection for baby may be one of the reasons that breastfed babies have a lower incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
According to Hinde, when a baby suckles at its mother’s breast, a vacuum is created. Within that vacuum, the infant’s saliva is sucked back into the mother’s nipple, where receptors in her mammary gland read its signals. This “baby spit backwash,” as she delightfully describes it, contains information about the baby’s immune status. Everything scientists know about physiology indicates that baby spit backwash is one of the ways that breast milk adjusts its immunological composition. If the mammary gland receptors detect the presence of pathogens, they compel the mother’s body to produce antibodies to fight it, and those antibodies travel through breast milk back into the baby’s body, where they target the infection. (source)
Developing Baby’s Body and Mind
Breastfeeding promotes brain development. Babies who are breastfed for at least 6 months or more have been shown to have a 7% higher IQ than their formula fed counterparts.
Breastfed babies are held more and cry less.
Babies who are breastfed bond easily with their Mother, forming the basis for all other relationships for the rest of his or her life.
Human milk is for human babies. Breast milk contains everything baby needs to grow and develop; the perfect balance of fat, protein and iron perfectly assimilated for ultimate health and nutrition.
Breast milk is a living fluid. It contains live immunities that cannot be duplicated in artificial baby milk.
Human Milk Adjusts With Age
Breast milk actually changes over time according to the age of your baby. Your body knows if your baby was born premature, providing milk that is higher in fat and protein. Your body knows when your baby is 3 months old, 6 months old, 12 months old, with breast milk that changes in order to meet baby’s special needs at each stage of development.
The first milk, “colostrum,” actually seals the lining of your baby’s gut, protecting baby from viruses and bacteria that could permeate into your baby’s system. One formula feeding wipes out this protection. It requires one month of exclusive breastfeeding in order to regain this seal of protection.
A Healthy Start
Breastfed babies are less likely to experience obesity later in life.
Breastfed babies have been shown in long-term studies to have a lower incidence of childhood diabetes and childhood leukemia.
Baby girls who are breastfed have been shown to have a lower incidence of breast cancer and ovarian cancer later in life.
Breastfed baby’s have fewer incidences of dental caries and improved facial development
Breastfeeding Matters
Most breastfeeding problems are easily solved with correct information, proper management and positioning techniques. Please see you’re nearest qualified (IBCLC) Lactation Constant if you think you may be having trouble with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is something only you can do for your baby; the very best!
