Health organizations recommend breastfeeding babies as much as possible, so that the little ones can enjoy all the benefits, but for mothers this is not always possible. Breastfeeding can be painful, stressful, or simply a challenge. There are also situations where breasts do not produce enough milk in quantity or for long enough time. Of course, feeding at the breast can be a challenge even for babies, whether they fail to cope or if at some point there is not enough and they want to start diversifying before the mother is ready.
Mothers who do not produce enough milk, who need to return to work or simply do not want to breastfeed anymore, have options such as: using expressed breastmilk with the help of a breast pump or formula (baby powder for growth) from commerce.
Milk contains:
Mother's milk is composed of 90% water, the rest being fats, proteins, carbohydrates and essential micronutrients. In addition to all these, it also contains antibodies, antioxidants, growth factors and hormones.
Mothers who can and want to breastfeed have major benefits!
4 benefits for babies:
Optimal Nutrition. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for this stage. It is worth noting that breast milk changes its composition over time. In the first days after birth, it is colostrum: thicker and more yellowish, richer in proteins and with a lower sugar content. It is perfect for the baby's digestive tract, and cannot be replaced by anything else with the same nutritional values. The only thing that may be lacking is vitamin D, which is why supplementation may be necessary, at the doctor's recommendation, both for the mother and the baby.
Antibodies. Mother's milk contains antibodies that help the baby's body fight against viruses and bacteria, which is absolutely essential in the first few months of life. Colostrum especially contains immunoglobulin A (IgA), which prevents the little ones from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the nose, throat, and digestive system, something that powdered milk cannot achieve.
Reducing the risk of certain diseases. By exclusive breastfeeding, babies are protected against diseases such as: ear infections, respiratory tract infections, intestinal infections, but also diabetes, colds, allergic reactions and digestive tract diseases.
Normal Body Weight. Babies gain weight rapidly in the first few months of life, and breastfeeding allows this to happen at a natural and healthy pace. A study has shown that breastfeeding in the first few months of life reduces the chances of obesity at maturity. Additionally, breastfeeding influences the level of leptin, an essential hormone in regulating appetite.
4 benefits for mothers:
Nursing helps with uterine contractions. During pregnancy, the uterus greatly increases its volume, from the size of a pear to almost all abdominal space. After birth, the uterus begins to return to normal sizes. This process is stimulated by oxytocin, a hormone secreted both during birth and during breastfeeding at the breast. Oxytocin supports uterine contractions reducing bleeding and shortening the time needed for returning to normal sizes.
Risk of diseases is low. Breastfeeding offers long-term protection against certain diseases such as: high blood pressure, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Prevents the reappearance of menstruation. By continuous breastfeeding ovulation and menstruation are delayed. Although this may not seem important, it is still more convenient for the mother in the first months of life with the baby, when she is already very tired and there are so many things to do, not to be burdened by this natural and normal physiological process as well.
Saving time and money. As long as the mother produces enough milk, there is no longer a need for additional expenses with powdered milk for growth, bottles, etc. In addition, calculating and weighing the necessary quantity, washing and disinfecting the bottles and preparations needed each time the mother leaves home (with or without baby) are major time consumers.
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In the last few years, social media has put increasingly more pressure on women to be or behave in a certain way. Some mothers may nurse for longer than others, some produce less milk, some have to return to work while others simply want to give up breastfeeding at some point.
We remind you that every mother's experience is different, and we must respect the choices of others, even if they do not reflect our principles! Each woman can choose for herself, the information presented above being a synthesis of the scientific consensus regarding breastfeeding.
If you like or find our articles useful, you can appreciate them with a share! The information might be helpful to other moms or dads. Thank you!
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