Encourage New Mothers to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is the ideal way for a mother to provide their baby with the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development.
However, a growing number of women prefer to feed their children baby formula even though they are in a position to breastfeed.
Here are some of the reasons why you as a health practitioner should encourage new mothers to breastfeed.
1. Breast Milk is the Best Food for Babies
Breastfed babies are less likely to be sick and have fewer allergies, infections, respiratory illnesses, and digestive problems than formula-fed babies.
A mother’s breast milk is specifically designed to meet the needs of her baby and contains just the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in just the right amounts.
In developed countries, formula feeding is a personal decision and does not affect the health of other babies or children.
2. Breastfeeding is a Great Workout
Pumping the breasts stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that causes uterine contractions during labor.
This can help tone a woman’s uterus back into shape after pregnancy, causing less postpartum bleeding and pain. It also helps in losing weight faster after giving birth by speeding up metabolism by as much as fivefold!
The process of breastfeeding is a full-body workout, and it also strengthens the bones and muscles in the upper body.
3. Breastfeeding is a Bonding Experience for Mother and Baby
Nursing releases hormones that produce feelings of happiness and contentment in both mother and baby, which increases their ability to interact positively with each other even from an early age.
That means that the bond between mother and child is strengthened through breastfeeding.
Mothers often describe breastfeeding as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives – not only does it allow them to nourish their child, but it also gives them time to bond with their baby, which can help strengthen the relationship for years to come.
4. Breastfeeding Encourages Motherly Instincts
The hormones released during breastfeeding make women more nurturing and responsive to their children during the earliest months of their lives when they most need it.
Breastfeeding helps to promote motherly instincts and bonding between mother and baby. It has also been known to be a natural pain reliever for breastfeeding moms as it mimics the body’s morphine.
When a mother breastfeeds, this is often all they need to feel more comfortable about their child.
5. Breastfeeding Reduces a Child’s Risk of Developing Food Allergies
One study suggested that if three-quarters of mothers breastfed for six months or longer, there would be a 42 percent reduction in food allergy in their children.
Another study showed that breastfeeding for two or more months reduced the risk of peanut allergy by 81 percent in high-risk children.
A different study from Sweden found that children whose mothers had breastfed them were significantly less likely to have asthma as adults.
With so many studies backing the same claim up, there is no reason why new mothers should skimp in breastfeeding.
6. Breastfeeding can Help with Weight Loss
Breastfeeding burns calories! During feedings, you burn between 70 and 200 calories per hour (depending on your body type).
Also, because you need to take some breaks while breastfeeding, you get plenty of exercises while taking care of your little one.
There is no specific formula for how many calories you burn while breastfeeding; every woman is different.
Although this benefit may not be significant considering how much exercise most new moms already get during pregnancy and in caring for their new baby after birth, it does help keep off extra pounds without too much effort.
7. It Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
One study has shown that women who have never breastfed have about a 30% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer compared with about a 20% risk for those who have ever breastfed.
Women who have never breastfed but also have a family history of the disease may face double or triple the risk of women without that family history.
Conclusion
Ultimately, breastfeeding comes with a host of benefits for both mother and child. You know this because you are in the medical field but it is also important that you let new mothers know the same so that they can act accordingly.
See Also
Hardship Grants for Single Moms
Does Medicaid Cover Breast Pumps
Grants to Pay Off Student Loans for Single Mothers
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