Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially at the start. But there is no doubt it is full of benefits for mummy and baby. If you are in two minds about continuing nursing your baby, these reasons to breastfeed just might help you make up your mind!
Here are 23 reasons to breastfeed!
1) Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby.
2) Breastfeeding helps mum lose weight after baby is born.
3) Breastfeeding helps shrink mother’s uterus after childbirth.
4) Breastfeeding helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage.
5) Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquillizer for mothers.
6) Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive.
7) Breastfeeding saves time and space. There are no bottles to tote, no need to refrigerate, less equipment to buy, maintain and store.
8.) Breastfeeding avoids the environmental costs of producing bottles and formula, and the energy consumption that goes with sterilizing bottles.
9) Breastfeeding reduces the chance for a baby to develop pneumonia by four-folds.
10) Breastfed babies as likely to suffer from diarrhea.
11) Babies who are breastfed are less likely to grow into children with behaviour problems.
12) Breastfeeding may be linked to greater learning abilities in kids. Breastfeeding appear to bring positive impacts that aid a child’s cognitive development, especially in areas related to language and intelligence.
13) Breastfeeding protects mothers against anaemia (iron deficiency).
14) Breastfed babies have half the chance to develop ear infections vs non breast fed babies.
15) Breastfeeding reduces one’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
16) A study indicated that infants who received breast milk were more likely to climb the social ladder than those who were not breastfed.
17) Breastfeeding lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
18) Mothers who breastfeed are at lower risks of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
19) Breastfeeding is good for mum’s heart. Postmenopausal women, who had breastfed for at least 1 month have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol and less frequent diabetes.
20) Breastfeeding mums have less sick days! Since their kids are statistically healthier, they spend less time at home from work to look after sick kids!
21) Breast milk contain a large amount of antibodies that will protect your baby from diseases and illnesses.
22) Breastfeeding decreases chances of maternal osteoporosis in later life.
23) Breastfeeding mums suffer less from postpartum depression.