Advantages of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding helps develops a strong bond between mother and child. Apart from the emotional advantages of breastfeeding, there are numerous health benefits for the mother and child, as well. Here are some benefits of breastfeeding for the mother:

Advantages of Breastfeeding for the Mother

The benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mothers are:

1. Protection from Breast Cancer
   Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. The higher the lactation period for a woman, the lower is the risk of her developing breast cancer.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Protection from Uterine Cancer
   Enhanced duration of breastfeeding minimizes the risk of uterine cancer among women. Studies have revealed that women who breastfeed for a longer duration (almost up to 25 months) are less likely to suffer from uterine cancer.
   
   
3. Protection against Ovarian Cancer
   In addition to protection against breast and uterine cancer, breastfeeding works as a protective shield against ovarian cancer for the nursing mother. Breastfeeding moms have a lower risk of ovarian cancer because it helps in decreasing ovulatory age.
   
   
4. Helps Reduce the Need for Insulin Intake for Diabetic Women
   Diabetic mothers require less insulin while they are nursing. This is specifically true for the moms who breastfeed their children for an extended period of time.
   
   
5. Lowers the effect of Osteoporosis
   Breastfeeding your baby keeps you free from the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
   
   
6. Promotes Weight Loss
   Breastfeeding promotes natural weight loss for nursing mothers.
   
   
   
   
   
   Breastfeeding women can lose weight naturally without having to diet or maintain a regular exercise schedule. (If you are breastfeeding twins - you may lose weight even faster!)

Apart from all this physical advantage, breastfeeding is a very emotionally satisfying and rewarding experience for most mothers.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for the Baby

Breastfeeding offers a whole host of benefits for your baby as well. Some benefits of breastfeeding for the babies are:

Protection against Infection

Breastfeeding boosts the immunity of your baby against various diseases and infections. Breastfeed babies have less likelihood of facing early childhood diseases and infections. Breastfeeding guards against the following infections:

• Diarrhea
• Haemophilus Influenza
• Respiratory infections such as acute chronic bronchitis
• Herpes Simplex virus II contamination normally found in newborn babies

Breastfed babies have a higher antibody level than those who are not breastfed or breastfed for a very short duration. Breastfeeding helps in increasing the active humoral immune response during the initial years of the baby’s life.

Protecting from Illnesses

Infants acquire many health benefits from breastfeeding especially if done for a longer rather than shorter period of time. Breastfeeding protects you child from childhood illnesses such as wheezing and respiratory tract illnesses that is likely to occur during the first four months of infancy.

Protecting against Allergies

Breastfeeding reduces the probability of allergies among children. Some examples are wheezing, prolonged colds, diarrhea, and vomiting in babies. In addition, the breastfed babies have less likelihood of developing.

Enhances Intelligence

Breastfeed children have been shown to have a better IQ and are mentally more secure than other children of their age are.

La Leche League International Breastfeeding Advocacy Organization

La Leche League International (LLLI) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1956 by seven mothers to promote awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. These mothers had successfully breastfed their children and volunteered their guidance and support for women facing problems while breast-feeding for one or the other reason.

Today, La Leche League extends their help to women in over 40 countries. They spread their support by organizing international conferences, publishing newsletters for breastfeeding. LLLI also publishes and sells various materials including books related to breastfeeding for mothers as well as professionals working on this field.

Check our recommended sources for deals and attractive offers on a wide range of nursing supplies.