The Benefits of Breastfeeding
05 May 2023
Benefits for the baby:
Provides complete nutrition: Breast milk contains all the nutrients that a baby needs for their growth and development.
Boosts immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that protect the baby from infections, allergies, and other illnesses.
Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Promotes healthy weight gain: Breastfed babies gain weight at a slower but more steady pace, which can help reduce the risk of obesity in later life.
Improves cognitive development: Breastfeeding has been linked to better cognitive development and higher IQ scores in children.
Benefits for the mother:
Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size: Breastfeeding causes the release of hormones that help the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women.
Helps with weight loss: Breastfeeding burns calories and can help women lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
Promotes bonding: Breastfeeding helps create a close bond between mother and baby through skin-to-skin contact and the release of bonding hormones.