Having a newborn at our home again has me in wonder. I am especially amazed at how well God crafted the bond between a baby and a mother. Nothing illustrates this better than the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby.
Yet, breastfeeding has increasingly become unpopular. The support for it in our culture has waned. It is a byproduct of depreciation for children and motherhood in general.
Nonetheless, breastfeeding remains a caring, loving, and natural expression of motherhood. It belongs in our culture permanently by virtue of its role in the natural design of humanity.
So, for any mother out there being pressured to use formula instead, take courage. Your desire to breastfeed your baby should be fulfilled. It was placed there by God.
Besides, there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby.
Although the list could go on much further, here are my top ten favorite advantages to breastfeeding. At the end, I will ask you to share your favorite benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby.
1. Breastfeeding bonds mother and baby
The hormone oxytocin serves as a glue between mother and baby. The act of breastfeeding releases this chemical, forming a lifelong bond between two generations.
2. Breastfeeding fulfills baby’s emotional needs
All babies need to be held in order to remain healthy. Breastfeeding allows the mother to hold the baby, thereby naturally giving the baby the physical support, warmth, and touch necessary for survival.
3. Breast milk contains only natural ingredients
Breast milk contains over 300 ingredients to boost the baby’s health. By comparison, manufactured baby formula contains about 40 (synthetic) ingredients. Breast milk has never been recalled. Whereas, synthetic baby formulas have had over 20 significant recalls.
4. Breast milk can treat infections
Incredibly, breast milk contains antibodies to fight off infections to keep the baby healthy. If baby develops an infection in the eye or the ear, mom can even squirt breast milk there to fight the illness.
5. Mothers who breastfeed experience great health benefits, including a reduction in the rate of some cancers
The cells inside the breast undergo a transformation during pregnancy, in preparation to feed the baby upon birth. When used to breastfeed, those cells are less likely to become cancerous later in life. At the same time, breastfeeding mothers also have been shown to reduce the likelihood of contracting ovarian cancer or uterine cancer.
Furthermore, beyond cancer, a breastfeeding mom will experience other health benefits. For instance, she will have an easier time losing weight after giving birth. She is less likely to develop osteoporosis later in life. She also is less susceptible to anemia. Diabetic mothers produce more insulin. Breastfeeding mothers have greater self-confidence than their formula-wielding counterparts.
This all just goes to show how natural breastfeeding is to the human design.
6. Breast milk is easier to digest for baby
Another of the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby is how easily breast milk can be digested. Babies have an enzyme to aid in breaking down the human breast milk. Milk from a manufacturing plant or from a cow is much harder for babies to digest.
7. As a result, breastfed babies have easier diapers to change
Call it a practical benefit. Since breast milk contains natural ingredients, the baby absorbs and uses much more of the milk. Any resulting diapers will not be as badly smelling and easier to clean up.
8. Breast milk is free and easy
Forget needing to be near a microwave. Forget risking giving scalding hot milk to your baby. Forget keeping track of how much formula, bottles, and nipples you have on hand. Instead, breast milk is always available. It is free. It is always the perfect temperature.
9. Breasts which feed a baby are fulfilling their purpose
In this day and age, it is hard for some people, especially men, to hear this. But breasts are not merely decorations on a female body to be lusted after. Rather, they were designed by God to be primarily the source of nutrition for infants. Thus, they are doing what they were made to do.
10. Breastfeeding has dozens of health benefits to the child
The number of advantages to eating exclusively breast milk as an infant has immediate and lifelong profits to the child. Just look at this partial list.
- Boosts the child’s IQ
- Protects against intestinal disorders, including Crohn’s Disease
- Prevents diabetes
- Reduces allergies
- Reduces the onset of asthma
- Fewer ear infections
- SIDS becomes less likely
- Less respiratory disorders
- Better vision
- Less likely to be obese
- Pain reduction thanks to endorphins in breast milk
- Fewer cavities
- Reduction in eczema
- Reduced gastrointestinal reflux
- Better motor skills
- Greater social development
- Better hand-eye coordination
- Reduced likelihood of childhood cancers
YOUR TURN
So, what are your thoughts on breastfeeding?
Are you as amazed as I am at the beauty of God’s design?
What are you favorite benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby?
Please share your thoughts below.
