The Benefits of Breastfeeding
The phrase benefits of breastfeeding can be misleading. It is a statement that makes one think that there are two equal options, formula vs. breastfeeding, and that each option has its benefits. The truth is, however, that the pros of breastfeeding not only far outweigh the pros of formula, but they also put it in a position of clear inferiority. There are hundreds of reasons why breast is best, and as new discoveries are made the list of breastfeeding benefits is sure to grow. Here is a list of just a few of the benefits of breastfeeding or rather, reasons why you should breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is natural. You can rest assured that there is no calculating involved in feeding your child. No one had to produce it in a factory. There are no missing ingredients, and there are no unknown ingredients that will be discovered and added later. Known or unknown, everything in breast milk has a purpose and is necessary and good for your baby.
We are mammals, with mammary glands. It is your baby’s right to be breastfed.
We are humans. Human milk is intended for the nutrition and health of a young human child. Artificial infant formula is produced from cow’s milk, which is intended for the nutrition of calves. No matter how much the cow’s milk is altered it cannot meet the needs to properly develop a human being. Cow’s milk contains proteins, fats, and sugars that are intended to grow on average, a 100 lb calf into a 600 lb cow in one year. Human milk is intended to grow a small human with a very large, fast-growing brain over the course of many years. The nutritional purposes of the two types of milk are species specific.
Breastfeeding keeps estrogen levels low. It delays menstruation after the birth of the baby, and prevents the monthly hormonal cycles. This greatly reduces the risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer for the mother. Feeding your baby artificial infant formula therefore increases your risk of developing these cancers later on in life.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity and developing diabetes and osteoporosis later in life.
Another one of the benefits of breastfeeding is that breast milk contains antibodies and live white blood cells. The antibodies are produced in response to pathogens the mother is exposed to and both help prevent sickness in the infant. Antibodies are produced right inside the breast as germs are introduced from the infant as well. The milk coats the lining of the porous infant gut and prevents the introduction of pathogens through the intestines.
Breast milk is infinitely portable and always convenient. There is no need to carry a huge bag with bottles and coolers around with you. No measuring and mixing to do. No possibility of danger to your child should you mix wrong. It’s always the right temperature, and always fresh. There is no need to rush around trying to prepare a bottle in the wee hours of the night for a hungry infant.
Breastfeeding provides a perfect source of comfort to your child. A baby yearns for the warm living breathing breast of his mother. A cold, hard, plastic plug is no reasonable or acceptable substitute. The breast consoles a child instantly when he is hurt or feeling down.
The breast serves as an extension of the placenta after the birth. It continues many of its functions to support the growth of the underdeveloped human infant.
Breastfeeding is relaxing. The hormone oxytocin helps the mother fall asleep easily. It also is very sleep-inducing for the baby. A great, and extremely easy way to help your baby to sleep for naps and bed time.
Exclusively breastfed babies are never constipated. Breast milk is a natural laxative, with colostrum being even more so, and a significant aid in the baby passing the meconium after birth. Although human milk contains only small amounts of iron, that iron is easily absorbed and utilized by the baby. Formula contains high amounts of iron because it is not as readily absorbed, but those high amounts are a major cause of infant constipation.
Human milk is incredibly digestable. Formula, which is manufactured from cow’s milk, contains large protein curds called casein, and these are very difficult for an infant to digest. They sit in the baby’s stomach and put more stress on an already underdeveloped system. Human milk also has a very small amount of salt in it. Formula has a large amount compared to human milk, which can make filtration difficult for the baby’s kidneys.
Breastfed infants smell nicer. For those with sensitive noses this is one of the huge benefits of breastfeeding. The inferior ingredients in artificial infant formula are released through the skin. Breastfed infants’ feces are inoffensive and smell similar to butter.
Nursing at the breast promotes healthy development of the teeth and jaw. Sucking on a bottle can deform the jaw and hinder proper development of the teeth. Babies who go to bed with a bottle at night often develop cavities.
Another one of the benefits of breastfeeding is breast milk's lack of artificial enhancers. Formula is extremely processed. Milk is very species specific, and cow’s milk just isn’t adequate for a developing human being. The mortality rate for infants reared on straight cow’s milk is very high. Human milk contains a high amount of lactose, a sugar necessary for brain development. Cow’s milk does not contain so much. Dextrose has been added to cow’s milk, in the form of corn syrup. Hydrogenated soybean oil is added for fats. Formula is full of inferior ingredients which do not promote healthy growth in an infant.
The true benefits of breastfeeding can’t be described with simple facts, but must be experienced. The mother-child bond is something for which words cannot do justice. You simply have to try.
