They say when the baby latches on to the mother’s breast for the first time, they make a bond. In fact, the first milk or the thick milk known as the colostrum is considered the most important meal for the baby as it has life-boosting powers. Colostrum or the first milk is the first form of milk which is considered to be a superfood for the baby. This thick, yellow liquid is much higher in protein and low in sugar and fat, thus easier to digest.
As the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, read further to know the benefits of this life-giving food.
Breastfeeding Benefits For Infants
1. Mother’s milk not only makes the baby’s immune system stronger, it also saves them from numerous infections that can be life-threatening. Research has shown that babies who are exclusively breastfed are at a lesser risk of developing type 1 diabetes, certain childhood cancers, ear infections, colds etc.
2. It has also been proved in many cases that premature babies when given breast milk are less likely to have high blood pressure by the time they’re teenagers.
3. In fact, breastfeeding may also boost your child’s intelligence.
4. 50% lesser deaths related to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) have been reported. Experts say that babies who are exclusively breastfed in the first month have fifty per cent less chances of SIDS related death.
5. Breastfed babies are better at eating until their hunger is satisfied, leading to healthier eating patterns as they grow.
It doesn’t just end here. Mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies also have a lot to gain from this exercise.
In fact, Bollywood celeb Lisa Haydon last year posted a beautiful picture of herself breastfeeding her son Zyan and wrote, “Breastfeeding has played such a big part in getting back into shape after giving birth to my baby. Breastfeeding has been challenging + time consuming (literally hours spent daily trying to stimulate milk supply) but it’s such a beautiful way to bond and connect with your child plus all the nutritional benefits that your child gets from your milk.”
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mommies
1. It aids in weight loss. When you breastfeed, the hormone oxytocin is produced in the body which helps return the mother’s uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.
2. It is very economical and always available for your baby at the right temperature.
3. The chances of getting breast and ovarian cancers are lower in women who breastfeed.
4. Mothers who breastfeed after delivery have fewer chances of developing postpartum depression. It could be due to the repeated release of feel-good hormones.
5. It is a great way to bond with your baby.
As a mother who has breastfed her children, let me tell you that breastfeeding your babies will be one of the most satisfying and empowering things you will do for you and your baby. As you see as your child grow and become more active day by day, you will realise what a boon this simple, yet powerful exercise is. If you see your healthy child blossoming day by day, pat yourself on the back because you are doing everything right.
So happy feeding, ladies!
AWESOME NEWS! POPxo SHOP is now Open! Get 25% off on all the super fun mugs, phone covers, cushions, laptop sleeves, and more! Use coupon code POPXOFIRST.
