It’s panic time! My baby is arriving in one month! Between the diapers, the body suits, the gifts from Daddy, Granny, Uncle, Auntie, you’re up to your neck in the preparations of this new arrival. Do not worry, it’s the same for all Mums, and if I can tell you something, it’s only just the beginning! In amongst all of these preparations, you’ve probably already decided whether you’re going to breastfeed this little baby, or if you’re going to trade your breasts for the bottle so that Dad can also get up from his arse in the middle of the night. Not yet? Well, today we are going to talk about breastfeeding and why it’s so good!
The benefits for your Baby
We all know that to become a mother is also to become completely paranoid as to what our children will eat … And it’s quite normal to not want your baby to miss out on anything. We would actually worry if you told us otherwise. And if you want to give your child the best chance of growing up properly, it’s not a bad idea to go through this particular headache. Fully adapted to the needs of your baby, breast milk contains all the essential elements for your child’s growth, namely carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, trace elements … And the most magic thing about it all is that the composition of milk evolves according to the age of the baby and therefore its needs for nutrients- Mother Nature has truly thought of everything so that your baby grows up beautiful, strong, and intelligent! This nutritional and energetic adaptation also helps to reduce the risk of child obesity, as it avoids excess calories.
And speaking of strength, you should also know that Colostrum, the first dense yellow milk, which is produced just after birth, contains all the antibodies necessary for the construction of the infant’s immune system. In other words, a breastfed child will be less likely to develop childhood illnesses than a bottle-fed child. So, breast milk, which is perfectly tolerated by babies, not only helps the development of microbiota (and therefore reduces intestinal disorders) but also the risk of allergies.
Finally, THE MOST IMPORTANT thing: Breastfeeding your Baby is also creating a LINK. Your baby is soothed, and you instil a true connection, both physical and psychological. For a short time (or not …) you share everything, even tastes, as your milk takes the flavour of your food, thus participating in the sensory awakening of your baby!
The benefits for Mom
And what about you Mum in this whole story? Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you! Remember that breastfeeding is your ally too, especially as it helps you lose those extra pounds as you expend 500kcal of energy breastfeeding each day. In addition, it promotes uterine involution therefore decreasing the risks of postpartum haemorrhage and amenorrhea (lack of menstruation). Finally, another advantage (and not the least), the hormonal balance created during breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing a hormone-dependent cancer such as breast cancer. Convinced?
We are not the only ones saying it!
Well, even if I think that after all of those arguments, there’s only a small chance that you are not convinced, you should also know that the World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life with a dietary diversification from 6 months maintaining breastfeeding up to 2 years. So we didn’t exactly make it up!
Finally, I would like to end by saying that breastfeeding has many benefits that infantile milks can’t give, it’s Scientific, it’s There, it’s Concrete. However, every future Mum has a Choice. Whatever your reasons, if breastfeeding does not tempt you, your baby will probably be fine too. Breastfeeding does not protect you from all ills, it just puts more chances on your side. Take the time to think about it, and do not forget that it is better to feed your baby with a bottle and with love than to breastfeed in a state of anguish.
