From the moment your baby is born, you want to connect with him or her. One way a parent does this is to breastfeed. Breastfeeding provides important skin-to-skin contact that helps a parent and baby bond, as well as provides health benefits for parent and baby alike. Some parents breastfeed only for a few weeks, while others do so for years. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is no denying the benefits of doing so even once.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for a Baby
Babies who are breastfed have stronger immune systems, especially when done in combination with giving an immune-boosting product like Wellements immune support for infants. The nutrients in breastmilk are easier for babies to absorb and contain a wide range of enzymes, antioxidants, and live antibodies. As the nutrients enter a baby’s body, an immunoglobulin A coating on the baby’s intestines allows the nutrients to be absorbed without absorbing any germs or allergens.
In addition to being naturally soothing for infants, breastmilk provides a range of physical health benefits. If you notice your baby coughing in sleep, breastmilk could help. Infants who receive it have fewer cases of whooping cough, pneumonia, and RSV. They also have fewer rear infections, fewer gastrointestinal problems, and lowers the chance of infant mortality.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Children
Breastfeeding is beneficial for your children long after you are done doing it, too. Kids who were breastfed as infants typically have fewer allergies, nor do they develop eczema or asthma as easily as other children. They also are less likely to develop childhood cancers, have a lower risk of developing diabetes, and do not have respiratory illnesses as often as non-breastfed children. Breastfeeding also shows that children will have better brain maturation. Children who were breastfed are also more immune to infection, especially if they also eat immunity boosting foods for kids.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Later in Life
Breastfeeding even helps your children as they mature from childhood into teenagers and to adulthood. Teens and adults who were breastfed as infants are less likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis, do not develop breast cancer as often, and even have a lower risk of developing heart disease.
Breastfeeding Helps the Parent as Well
Breastfeeding an infant is good for the parent as well. Parents who breastfeed lose the baby weight more easily, helps the uterus contract to its normal size, and eases postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding parents also have a lower chance of anemia and are less likely to develop postpartum depression. Many parents who breastfeed report feeling calmer, having more confidence, and feeling a better bond with their children.
If you are having a child soon and are considering breastfeeding as part of your care routine, consider speaking to your obstetrician or a lactation consultant to help you get on the right path for you and your baby. Remember, though, that breastfeeding is not for everyone. If you decide it doesn’t work for your family, there are still plenty of ways to care for your baby and provide him or her with the best immune support possible for growth and health.
