There are several organizations that argue breast feeding is the best thing you can do for your child. These include the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Breast feeding is deemed healthier for many reasons, as outlined below.
1. It gives the perfect balance of nutrients to babies
Your body creates the perfect food for your child. A newborn receives special milk, called colostrum, right after birth. This colostrum is loaded with antibodies from your body to help protect form diseases. Your milk changes with the baby, slowly altering the nutrient balance depending on what your child needs. The colostrum eventually disappears and your baby only receives proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals from you.
2. It passes on antibodies
As mentioned before, colostrum is packed with antibodies. Breast milk continues to supply an infant with antibodies, even after the milk thins out and colostrum disappears. These antibodies help protect from viruses and bacteria until your little boy or girl can make antibodies of their own.
3. It can prevent many conditions
Studies have shown that breast feeding can help reduce the risk of certain medical conditions. These include childhood leukemia, diabetes, stomach and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, and obesity. Breast milk provides nutrients that help babies develop normally instead of contracting these conditions. Breast feeding also helps mothers reduce their risk of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
4. It is a way for a child to bond with a mother
Human bonding in the early months is a precursor of social development in the later years. Early bonding will help your baby develop normal social skills. Later in life, they are more likely to develop healthy friendships and relationships.
5. It’s easier on the baby’s digestive tract
Breast milk is usually easier to digest than baby formula. This will help prevent diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
6. Breast feeding can save you money
Baby formula, bottles, and other equipment can be pricey. By breast feeding, you don’t have to worry about any of that. This can save you over one thousand dollars per year.
7. It is a natural process
While baby formula is perfectly safe for your child, nothing is more natural than breast milk. You were genetically designed to provide your child with food, and your baby was designed to grow best when fed that way. Because it’s such a natural process – it’s been done for thousands of years – there are likely many more benefits that we are not aware of yet.
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