Benefits of Breastfeeding
Health Benefits for Baby
It’s indisputable that breastmilk is the Ideal food for babies, but what makes it so magical? What are the specific benefits it provides? Breastmilk contains optimal nutrition that is customized to the baby's needs. It contains immunoglobulins, including secretory IgA, which is crucial for immune function. Breastmilk contains bioactive properties that directly impact a baby's gut microbiome and overall health. Take a look at these amazing benefits for babies.
Protects against:
Asthma, allergies, lower respiratory infections 1
Breastmilk aids in immune defenses through the action of secretory IgA..
Ear infections 2
When nursing directly at the breast, the eustachian tubes open allowing trapped fluid to drain.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 3
The close contact of nighttime breastfeeding helps regulate baby’s sleep cycles and breathing patterns. Breastfeeding also supports the coordination of baby’s suck/swallow/breathe reflex.
Type 2 diabetes 4
Two months or more of breastfeeding lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by half. Five or more months of breastfeeding lowers the risk even further.
Childhood leukemia 5
Breastfeeding for six months or longer is associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of childhood leukemia.
Childhood obesity 6
Breastmilk has the ideal nutritional profile for developing babies. It also contains leptin and ghrelin which directly impact the growth and development of fat cells. Breastfeeding for at least 7 months dramatically lowers the risk of childhood obesity and even helps reduce the risk of adult obesity.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies 7
Secretory IgA helps protect vulnerable preterm babies from the serious gastrointestinal disease known as NEC. NEC can be fatal.
Health Benefits for Mom 8
Breastfeeding doesn’t only benefit babies! It delivers powerful health benefits for mom as well. Breastfeeding benefits are dose dependent which means the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit. Support and accurate information are key for meeting your breastfeeding goals. While breastfeeding may be natural, it isn’t always easy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to make a feeding plan to support your goals. Below are just a few of the impacts of breastfeeding on mom’s health.
Decreased risk of:
Written by: Jacquelyn Ordner, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Sources:
doi: 10.3390/nu10080995
doi: 10.3390/nu12051322
doi: 10.1136/bmj.j3778
