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Benefits of Breastfeeding
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for both the mother and the newborn baby. Unfortunately many new moms make the mistake of ending breastfeeding too early on in the child's life. It is true that breastfeeding can be challenging and even sometimes painful but the rewards are vast and can include increased metabolism for the mother, improved health for the baby and increased bonding between mother and child.
How Breastfeeding Increases the Metabolism
The process of lactation results in increased metabolism and allows the mother to burn several hundred calories per day. Increasing the mother's daily calorie burn rate can allow her to lose weight faster following the pregnancy. Since lactation is also a process that occurs during sleep and other periods of inactivity, continuing to nurse will definitely aid in weight loss as the mother's body continues to undergo milk production.
Breastfeeding Can Improve the Health of the Child
Breastfeeding plays an important role in assisting the child with building up his or her immune system. Through the breast milk, the mother passes important nutrients and antibodies to the child. The child's immune system is not yet developed enough to produce antibodies against disease and illness and therefore the child must receive these antibodies from the mother's milk. Vitamins are also passed to the child as well. This is one of the most important benefits of breastfeeding because children are very susceptible to illness within the first few months of life.
Breast Milk is Healthier than Formula
Regarding the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding in comparison to feeding babies formula only, breast milk has been demonstrated to be easier on infant digestion because it does not have as much protein as commercial baby formulas typically do. This means that breastfed babies will experience less gas and stomach discomfort. Many experts also agree that breastfeed babies have better eye and coordination development in comparison to babies that are fed with formula only.
Closer Bonding between Mother and Child
Breastfeeding is closely associated with the maternal bonding process. The act of the baby suckling produces an increase in the levels of oxytocin, a pleasure chemical, in the mother's brain and results in a feeling of emotional closeness to the child for the mother. Breastfeeding has also been demonstrated to significantly decrease the risk of postpartum depression in the mother. The benefits of breastfeeding for the infant include increased emotional development which stems from the feeling of security and safety that is reinforced by the infant being held tightly by the mother.
More Mothers Should Breastfeed for Longer Periods of Time
Doctors recommend that mothers continue breastfeeding for several months, however it can be difficult for some mothers to continue with breastfeeding due to the challenges that breastfeeding brings about. Many mothers experience painful problems such as latching, breast soreness, breast engorgement and other symptoms that make breastfeeding uncomfortable. Despite these problems, the many benefits of breastfeeding should be an incentive for mothers to choose breastfeeding over formula.