what are the benefits of breastfeeding

What are the pros and cons of breastfeeding?

Pros of breastfeeding

• Health benefits for the baby. Breastfeeding is a reliable way to provide a baby with all the nutrients they need. ...
• Health benefits for the woman breastfeeding. ...
• Long-term benefits. ...
• Cost savings. ...
• Ease and convenience. ...
• Bonding and easy soothing. ...

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

• Abstract. Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most frequent psychiatric complication during the postnatal period.
• Introduction. ...
• The study. ...
• Results. ...
• Discussion. ...
• Conclusions. ...
• Funding. ...
• Author information. ...
• Ethics declarations. ...
• Additional information. ...

More items...

What foods are best to eat while breast feeding?

What foods are best for nursing mothers?

• Whole grains. Breads.
• Salmon and sardines. An excellent source of protein, salmon is rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Beef. Breastfeeding moms have more need for the mineral zinc.
• Eggs.
• Leafy green vegetables.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Legumes and beans.
• Nuts and seeds.

What foods should I avoid during breastfeeding?

What Foods to Avoid When Breastfeeding?

1. Chocolate. Reason to avoid: Chocolate can give you a significant amount of processed sugar that can ‘disturb your babys sleep.
2. Spicy Foods. Reason to avoid: Spicy foods can cause not only gas but also other digestive problems in infants, such as heartburn.
3. Citrus Fruits. ...
4. Honey. ...
5. Strawberries. ...
6. Kiwifruit. ...
7. Onion. ...
8. Garlic. ...
9. Laxative Fruits. ...
10. Excessive Coffee. ...

More items...

See more

What are 5 advantages of breastfeeding?

5 Benefits of BreastfeedingBreastmilk is the best milk. The nutrients in breastmilk are unmatched by any other first food your baby can receive. ... It boosts baby's immune system. Breastmilk is a strong illness-inhibiting food. ... It balances baby's belly. ... Breastmilk is easily digestible. ... Breastfeeding benefits mom, too!

What are the 15 benefits of breastfeeding?

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for MomReducing her risk of developing osteoporosis.Reducing her breast cancer risk.Reducing her ovarian cancer risk.Producing oxytocin, which helps contract the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.Burning calories and using mom's fat stores for her breast milk.More items...•

Why is it important to breastfeeding?

Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy. It protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity. It protects against diseases, like diabetes and cancer. It protects against infections, like ear infections. It is easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.

What are 10 benefits of breastfeeding?

Perfect nutrition. Breast milk is the best food to help your baby grow and develop. ... Protection. Breast milk helps your baby fight off sickness and disease. ... Brain power. ... Ready and portable. ... Size does not matter. ... Good for mothers too. ... Builds a special bond. ... Advantages continue as baby grows.More items...

Can I breastfeed my husband during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, breastfeeding your husband or partner is OK. It's not perverted or wrong if you want the person you are intimate with to breastfeed, or if they ask to try breastfeeding or taste your breast milk.

Are breastfed babies smarter?

Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and they earn more money, too, a new study shows. The findings fit in with many other studies that show breastfeeding helps brains to develop better.

What is a disadvantage of breastfeeding?

When you first start breastfeeding, you may experience sore nipples. For the entirety of your breastfeeding endeavors, your breasts may feel swollen or engorged. 2. You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.

How long is breastfeeding beneficial for?

How long should a mother breastfeed? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.

How long is breast milk good for?

4 daysFreshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed tend to recover from childbirth faster than women who choose not to nurse their babies. Breastfeeding may reduce your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It may also decrease your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease as you age.

Why is breast feeding important?

Among its other known health benefits are some protection against common childhood infections and better survival during a baby's first year , including a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 1. Research also shows that very early skin-to-skin contact and suckling may have physical ...

What is the policy statement for breastfeeding?

Info for health care providers:#N#Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk#N#Clinical Report: Safe Sleep and Skin-to-Skin Care in the Neonatal Period for Healthy Term Newborns 1 Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk 2 Clinical Report: Safe Sleep and Skin-to-Skin Care in the Neonatal Period for Healthy Term Newborns

Does breastfeeding help with diabetes?

Other studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk for certain allergic diseases, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It also may help improve an infant's cognitive development. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why is breastfeeding important for weight gain?

Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity. One study. Trusted Source. showed that breastfeeding for longer than 4 months had a significant reduction in the chances of a baby developing overweight and obesity. This may be due to the development of different gut bacteria.

Why is breast milk important?

Breast milk contains important antibodies. Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months. This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk.

What does exclusive breastfeeding mean?

Exclusive breastfeeding, meaning that the infant receives only breast milk, is particularly beneficial.

Why does oxytocin increase during pregnancy?

Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help you bond with your new little one. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding.

How long can a baby breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continuing even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age 1 year or until both mom and baby agree to call it quits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old or longer. Trusted Source.

How does IgA protect a baby?

It’s immunity, baby! IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system. Trusted Source.

What is the fluid produced by the breasts during the first month of life?

During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds.