Breastfeeding is challenging but can make a huge difference in your and your child’s lives. Understand the spectrum of benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has many known benefits, and many of us tend to stop after learning the most common advantages. Every mom has heard of the immunity and health benefits, but there are also psychological benefits of breastfeeding. Below is a compiled list of three lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding to help you make your decision or pass the knowledge on to others.
Takes Less Time To Prepare
Every second counts when a baby is hungry and breast milk comes ready to use. You don’t have to warm or prepare it, so there’s no need for dishes or sterilizing bottles. If you use a breast pump, they are usually simple to clean and don’t require more than soap and water.
The benefits don’t stop there! You can pump breast milk in advance and store it for later use. There is no need to run to the store when supply is low. You can feed your child on demand without worrying about additives, preservatives, or nationwide shortages.
Breastfeeding Burns Calories
Have you ever heard the saying, “Breast is best?” Well, there’s more to it than just the health benefits of breastfeeding. There are lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding, including plenty of physical advantages for new moms who choose this option for feeding their newborns.
One of these advantages is that breastfeeding burns calories! Breastfeeding burns approximately 500 extra calories per day. That’s more than what most people would burn if they walked three miles or took an hour-long swim! Many moms choose to nurse to help work toward their pre-baby weight before returning to regular exercise.
Lowers Your Baby’s Risk of Illness
Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off infections. The benefits of breastfeeding go beyond just keeping your child healthy during the first year of life; breastfeeding may also lower their risk of certain types of disease in adulthood. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, it’s essential to ensure your diet includes enough protein and other nutrients to have enough energy to keep up with this demanding task.
Breast Is Best
Women who breastfeed enjoy less expensive infant nutrition, assistance in weight loss, a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and much more. Breastfeeding is free, healthier for your baby, and healthier for you.
In our experience, these lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding are a great reminder that any breastfeeding mom is doing something amazing for herself and her child. It’s not easy to make time for nursing amid all the other responsibilities on your plate, but it’s worth it! If you’re physically able, breastfeeding is a great way to provide your baby with the nourishment they need to grow strong and healthy. So, if you’re a new mom or planning to become one soon, you might consider giving breastfeeding a shot.
