Benefits Of Breastfeeding: What parents want to do to breastfeed their children, including breastfeeding their infants. While this can be inconvenient to do in a public setting, when the child eats from his mother’s breast, the bond between the child and the mother is greatly increased. In addition to strengthening the bond between parent and child, there are many medical benefits associated with breastfeeding. Now know some medical benefits of breastfeeding your baby like:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort protection
- Allergy prevention
- Increased intelligence in the child
Research studies have found that the first milk produced by your body contains immune factors that protect against germs by creating a protective lining on the mucous membranes in your baby’s intestines, throat, and nose. This is why mothers need to start nursing their child directly after birth.
Breastfeeding your baby helps protect your baby from gastrointestinal problems as well as respiratory problems and ear infections. Numerous research studies have been performed around the world and children who have been breastfed have fewer diarrhea, fewer ear infections, and fewer respiratory diseases. The women included in the research study exclusively breastfed their children for at least the first six months. This means that the child has consumed only breast milk, no solid food.
Several research studies have also found that breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months may reduce the chances of developing allergies in a child. At least one research study has proved that it lasts until the age of adolescence. Children with asthma are at lower risk of asthma by the average age of 6 years.
In addition to the above research studies, other studies have been conducted and found a possible relationship between breastfeeding and the child’s IQ. In these research studies, people who were breastfed at least in the first six months of their life scored higher on the IQ tests. Experts have said that the emotional connection associated with breastfeeding may be an important factor in this, but the fatty acids in breast milk can only play a large role in the child’s brain development.
There are many other health benefits associated with breastfeeding your baby. Some of these benefits include:
- Prevention of obesity in your child later in life
- Your baby’s risk of SIDS will decrease
- Prevention of childhood leukemia
While breastfeeding is not always a viable option, when it can be done, it can be beneficial for both mother and baby. Not only is the bonding experience incredible, but the health benefits associated with breastfeeding are numerous. Whenever the option is viable, a mother should consider breastfeeding her baby, as it is best for both mother and child.
As the old saying goes. Breastfeeding is best fed!