August is
National Breastfeeding Month! To celebrate, let’s talk about some of the wonderful
benefits of breastfeeding, for both baby and mom. Some of
these benefits include stronger immune systems for baby, decreased risk of
disease for moms, as well as many other benefits.
If you are a
mom that is unable to breastfeed, feeding with formula will still provide all
the nutrients your baby needs, so don’t worry.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby
Reduced Illness – Breastfeeding may reduce the risk
of infection and illness. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer
colds, ear infections, allergies, and other diseases (1)(2). They even have
shown to have a 50% reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) after
the first month (3).
Nutrient Balance – Breastmilk contains all the nutrients
a baby needs for growth and development. It has the perfect balance of protein,
carbohydrate, fat, and minerals while adjusting to the baby’s needs (4). It
also contains antibodies, which helps the baby fight off bacteria and viruses
(5).
Healthy Weight – Studies show that obesity rates
are lower in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies (6). The reason
for this may be due to more beneficial gut bacteria and higher leptin levels,
which is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite (7).
Bonding – Skin-to-skin contact during
breastfeeding has been shown to strengthen the bond between mom and baby.
Research shows babies to have emotional benefits from this contact (8).
Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom
Quicker Recovery – Breastfeeding has shown to release
higher levels of oxytocin, helping the uterus to contract back to normal size and
therefore decrease recovery time (9).
Weight Loss – Women who breastfeed typically
lose more weight postpartum that those who don’t (10). Although diet and exercise are still important,
breastfeeding moms require an increase in about 500 calories per day and often will
experience an increase in appetite and fat burning (11).
Reduced Risk
of Disease and Depression – Breastfeeding helps improve mood and decrease risk of postpartum
depression, research shows (12). Research has even shown breastfeeding to lower
risk of breast and ovarian cancer (13). It also may be protective against
metabolic syndrome and other diseases (14).
Time and
Money – Breastmilk
is always ready to go with no cost or prep, while formula can be very costly
and requires more effort. Breastfeeding takes away the hassle of cleaning
bottles, mixing, and calculating.
An Added Boost
As a new mom
or mom-to-be, it’s important to eat a healthy diet of whole foods so you can pass
along those nutrients to your baby. However, nutritional gaps can still happen
in even the best diets. That’s where prenatal supplements come in to help provide essential
nutrients, such as folate, for both mom and baby during breastfeeding.
If you’re pregnant
or breastfeeding and would like high-quality supplements to help nourish you
and your baby, we’ve got you covered. Take our assessment for doctor-approved supplement
recommendations and convenient, daily vitamin packs delivered to your door each
month.
Sources:
- Duijts
L, Jaddoe VW, Hofman A, Moll HA. Prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding reduces
the risk of infectious diseases in infancy. Pediatrics. 2010;126(1):e18-25.
- Ip
S, Chung M, Raman G, et al. Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health
outcomes in developed countries. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep).
2007;(153):1-186.
- Vennemann
MM, Bajanowski T, Brinkmann B, et al. Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome?. Pediatrics. 2009;123(3):e406-10.
- Jenness
R. The composition of human milk. Semin Perinatol. 1979;3(3):225-39.
- Sadeharju K, Knip M, Virtanen SM, et
al. Maternal antibodies
in breast milk protect the child from enterovirus infections. Pediatrics.
2007;119(5):941-6.
- Koletzko B, Von kries R, Monasterolo
RC, et al. Infant
feeding and later obesity risk. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009;646:15-29.
- Savino
F, Costamagna M, Prino A, Oggero R, Silvestro L. Leptin levels in breast-fed
and formula-fed infants. Acta Paediatr. 2002;91(9):897-902.
- Liu
J, Leung P, Yang A. Breastfeeding and active bonding protects against
children’s internalizing behavior problems. Nutrients. 2013;6(1):76-89.
- Prevost
M, Zelkowitz P, Tulandi T, et al. Oxytocin in pregnancy and the postpartum:
relations to labor and its management. Front Public Health. 2014;2:1.
- Van raaij JM, Schonk CM,
Vermaat-miedema SH, Peek ME, Hautvast JG. Energy cost of lactation, and energy
balances of well-nourished Dutch lactating women: reappraisal of the extra
energy requirements of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53(3):612-9.
- Jarlenski MP, Bennett WL, Bleich SN,
Barry CL, Stuart EA. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among
U.S. women. Prev Med. 2014;69:146-50.
- Henderson JJ, Evans SF, Straton JA,
Priest SR, Hagan R. Impact of postnatal depression on breastfeeding duration.
Birth. 2003;30(3):175-80.
- Breast cancer and breastfeeding:
collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in
30 countries, including 50302 women with breast cancer and 96973 women without
the disease. Lancet. 2002;360(9328):187-95.
- Stuebe A. The risks of not
breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2(4):222-31.
This information is not
intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other
healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label
or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or
treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other
treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional
before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement,
or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you
have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not
disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice
because of something you have read in this article.
