03/08/2024
10 GREAT REASONS TO BREASTFEED YOUR BABY
Breastfeeding is important for the mother and her baby.
Here are 10 great reasons mothers breastfeed their babies:
1. Breastfeeding is the perfect nutrition for babies.
Breast milk is the best food to help your baby grow and develop.
It is custom-made by each mother for her own baby. Breast milk has the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, and is easy to digest.
2. Breast milk helps your baby fight off sickness and disease.
Breastfeeding helps reduce the chance your baby will: have diarrhea, ear infections or lung infections, die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), be overweight or obese when they are older
3. Breastfeeding powers the Brain of the child.
Research shows that children who were breastfed score higher on intelligence (IQ) tests. They may even stay in school longer and earn more money as adults.
4. Breast milk is always fresh and exactly the right temperature. It is ready for your baby whenever they are ready to eat. You do not have to heat it, boil water or sterilize bottles. This makes feedings so much easier!
Since breast milk is always with you, travelling or shopping with your baby is easier.
5. The size of your breasts does not matter. Big or small, your breasts will make enough milk for your baby. Breasts start to get ready for baby very early in pregnancy. The more your baby breastfeeds – the more milk you will make!
6. Good for mothers too.
Research shows that breastfeeding can protect mothers from many diseases such as: breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, heart disease.
Your body uses energy to make milk, so breastfeeding can help you to lose weight that you gained during pregnancy.
Exclusive breastfeeding (feeding your baby only your breast milk) may also delay the return of your periods for at least a little while. It is important to know that you can still get pregnant even if your periods do not start.
7. Breastfeeding builds a special bond. The closeness and comfort of breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby. It is one of the many things you can do to build a secure and loving relationship. Cuddling your baby can help your baby be more trusting and confident as they grow older.
8. Breast milk is so complete, it is the only food or drink your baby needs for the first 6 months. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to keep up with your baby's needs.
From about 6 months of age, your baby will need a variety of healthy foods as well as breast milk. But breast milk continues to be an important source of nutrition and protection for your baby. Breastfeeding is recommended for up to two years or more, or for as long as you and your baby want to. Any amount of breast milk that you can give your baby is good!
9. Breastfeeding is good for your baby, for you and for the environment. Breast milk is made and delivered right to your baby - without any processing, chemical preservatives, packaging or waste.
10. Breastfeeding saves you money. Having a baby can be expensive, so it is nice to know that breastfeeding is not! Breastfeeding could save you hundreds – or even thousands - of naira.
So many advantages of Breastfeeding for the mother and the baby and even the society at large. Let's support breastfeeding mothers by creating a friendly environment for them to breastfeed their babies.
