Breastfeeding your baby can be one of the most important decisions you make. There are many benefits to the baby and to the mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year. Formula cannot equal the benefits of mother's milk, which is tailor made for your baby and served at the proper temperature. Benefits for the baby cover every area of physical, emotional and mental development. Mother's milk contains antibodies, proteins and many other components.
Children who were breastfed have shown to have higher IQ of around five points. A combination of the nutrition in the milk and the bond with the mother is responsible for the increase. There are special proteins in mother's milk that help in brain development. Other studies show over the long term the intelligence benefit extends to better reading comprehension and math skills. Breastfed babies have better vision, fewer ear infections and better dental development. Many studies have shown the reduced rate of ear infections for babies, due to some of the antibodies in the milk. Nursing on the breast better positions the face and mouth, encouraging proper dental alignment and lessening the need for orthodontics later in life.
The protection of breast milk has decreased the rate of asthma in children. In addition, breastfed babies have fewer incidences of upper respiratory infections, pneumonia and influenza. There are several immune components of breast milk that reduce the risks of allergies. This is also partly because allergens in cow milk and soy proteins are introduced later in life. The colostrum, which is the first milk, coats the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, stopping harmful bacteria and allergens from entering the baby's blood. Mother's milk protects the baby's stomach from upset and diarrhea, which is a leading cause of infant death. The lactose in breast milk encourages the production of bifidus bacteria in the intestines. This good bacterium produces vitamins and minerals and discourages bad bacteria. Breastfed babies have less constipation and better smelling stools.
Heart wise, breastfed babies have lower cholesterol when they are adults. Some studies being performed are showing that the cholesterol in breast milk helps the baby's liver in development. Since the liver is better at metabolizing cholesterol, it is better at lowering adult levels and reducing risks of heart disease. The chance of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus is lower for breastfed children. The insulin release ability is better prepared. Some researchers feel that the later introduction of cow milk also plays a part in lessening the chance.
Nursing leads to a reduced chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Part of this relates to the sleep patterns of breastfed babies. They do not sleep as deeply and are more likely to wake up if they experience problems breathing. Breastfed babies are leaner and that trend tends to continue throughout their adult life. Babies who breastfeed are better in tune with when they are actually hungry and can control how much they eat. Those habits help later in life as some adults have lost that ability to know when to eat and how much. Mothers tend to trust their children more to know about eating. They tend to not encourage plate cleaning and eating at set times and trusting that their child will get enough to eat.
Every day, scientists are discovering new benefits to breast milk. The reduced risk of many diseases such as appendicitis, eczema, urinary tract infections and bacterial meningitis are just a few. A mother will feel great knowing the benefits her child is receiving. Mothers also receive benefits such as better weight loss, reduction of certain cancers and a calming effect from hormones. The special bond between mother and baby leads to a relationship that is life long. Breast milk is also free, with no bottles to clean and carry.
