Benefits of breastfeeding
As you near the end of your pregnancy, your body prepares for
breastfeeding. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby as it contains the
best combination of ingredients for a strong immune system and overall growth
and development.
Benefits for baby
Breast milk provides the baby with all the necessary nutrients during
the first six months of life. Additional food or water is not recommended,
which makes it easier for the baby to feed. Your breast milk contains the perfect
combination of nutrients, fats and proteins to keep your baby growing at the
right rate.
Over time, as your baby grows, your milk changes to meet new nutritional
needs. For example, your first milk has a lot of fat and less water, but by
three months your milk has less fat and more water.
Breastfed babies also get sick less. The frequency of ear infections,
respiratory problems, asthma and allergies is lower in breastfed babies. There
is a strong link between breastfeeding and a healthy immune system. You will
pass your antibodies to your baby through your breast milk, which will give him
an advantage in fighting infections.
Breast milk also forms a protective layer in your baby's stomach to keep
germs from settling in.
Benefits for Mom
Breastfeeding a baby is also good for health. Breastfeeding mothers gain
weight faster before pregnancy and have lower rates of breast and uterine
cancer. Breastfeeding helps your uterus return to normal and reduces blood loss
after the baby is born. You
can also have a period break of 12 months.