Breast milk is a great supply of nutrition for babies. It contains an adequate amount of nutrients, is easily digestible, and is readily available. Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally burdening. A lactation consultant’s best quality is sometimes the origin of emotional support and motivation. Those few weeks of your child’s life are essential to establishing breastfeeding. Your lactation consultant Madison, WI, can work with you and your baby to improve your chances of a long and successful breastfeeding journey. Before you decide (or if you need reassurance that breast milk is the right choice for you), consider all of the advantages for both you and your baby.
1. Breast milk provides vital nutrients
One of the benefits of breastfeeding is that breast milk offers your baby the nutrition they require. It also contains all of the nutrients in the proper proportions. Breast milk’s component changes over time to meet your baby’s needs. Breast milk comprises colostrum during the first month, a fluid that is low in sugar, high in protein, and rich in nutrients. It is also high in antibodies, which help your baby’s immune system, kill viruses, and act as a natural laxative. It may be more challenging to ensure that your baby gets everything they require with artificial milk.
2. Breastfeeding improves mother-child bonding
Skin-to-skin touch while breastfeeding helps you and your baby bond. This also encourages more cradling and stroking, which fosters affectionate bonding, which is critical during your baby’s first few years of life. Breastfeeding allows you to get to know your baby in a more intimate setting. During this special time, you discover their cues and gain their trust. It can also help you and your baby feel more at ease.
3. Breastfeeding can aid in weight loss
Some mothers discover that breastfeeding their child aids in losing baby weight. You want to ensure that you take care of yourself while caring for your baby and consuming the right foods. High-protein, fiber-rich foods are recommended to keep your body healthy and nutrient-dense. You should also make an effort to stay hydrated and move throughout the day. Schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss your preferred calorie consumption for your milk production.
4. Breastfeeding is convenient and cost-effective
One benefit of breastfeeding over bottle formula is that it saves you time and money. Breast milk is easily accessible, and you do not need to purchase formula. If you decide to breastfeed your child, you can avoid measuring out formula and cleaning and sterilizing baby bottles daily. You also avoid the task of warming milk and providing sufficient temperature or finding ways to warm milk on the go. One of the only costs associated with breastfeeding is the purchase of a breast pump. The breast pump is simple, discreet, and resembles your baby’s suction to boost milk supply.
5. Breast milk encourages a healthy baby weight
Your infant will need to gain healthy weight as they develop. Breastfeeding helps your baby obtain the weight they need to be strong and healthy, but it also helps reduce obesity. Breastfed children have a lower chance of becoming overweight if breastfed for at least four months.
As a mother, you must make numerous decisions for your child. Deciding how you will breastfeed them is critical because it will shape their well-being in childhood and beyond. Call Physicians for Women – Melius & Schurr to learn more about the importance of breastfeeding.