The Benefits of Breastfeeding

I have chose to breastfed my children and I have found it to be a very rewarding experience. There are many benefits to breast-feeding, for both mother and baby.

The babies first few feeding will be colstrum until you milk comes in, usually around the 3^rd or 4^th day after delivery. Colostrum is packed will antibodies and nutrients. It also contains a natural laxative to help your baby have his or her first bowel movement, a black tarry substance called mericonium.

The first few weeks of breast-feeding can be very challenging. Baby is just learning how to eat and sometimes will have difficulty latching on which can result in sore nipples, blood blisters and such. Even if you develop any of these do not lose hope. You and your baby will ease into breastfeeding soon enough.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for mom. In the first few days, breastfeeding helps to shrink your uterus back to its normal size, by releasing hormones that make your uterus contract. Nursing also burns many calories, which will help you to reach your pre-pregnancy weight. In addition, for women like me with small breast while breastfeeding your bust will be much fuller, which can be a confidence boost.

The benefits babies receive from breastfeeding are limitless. As I stated before breast milk has a natural laxative, which can help baby to have bowel movements. Breastfed children are also said to have less ear infections, allergies, and other common illnesses. It is also said that breastfed babies are at less risk of SIDS and asthma.

Breast milk is also easier for babies to digest which means less spit up and less tummy aches. My daughter who was nursed for 10 months never once spit up. Breastfed babies also have more pleasant smelling bowel movements and if you have ever smelled a dirty diaper I am sure you can appreciate that.

Breastfeeding, I found was also a lot more convenient. There are no bottles to warm up or clean. It is also a lot more convenient for those late night feedings when you are half-awake, all you have to do is find a comfortable chair and whip out a nipple.