What Are The Benefits Of Breastfeeding?

If you are trying to decide whether or not to breastfeed your new baby, you may be happy to know that there are more benefits to breastfeeding than with formula for several reasons. Infant formulas may come very close to producing the same things found in breast milk but these companies cannot get it exactly right.

Infant formulas are available in a variety of different types in order to meet the special needs of most babies. When breast milk is given to a newborn it is specially formulated from your body to meet the needs of that specific baby.

Another benefit of breastfeeding is it helps your uterus contract and get back into shape quicker after delivery. This makes things a little more comfortable on you, although you might have to deal with a few cramps.

Breastfeeding can also decrease your baby’s chances of getting sick frequently. A mother's milk is a great for the immune system.

Colostrum is the first milk your baby will get when first introduced to the breast. Colostrum is a yellow to orange color milk that comes from the breast before the actual milk comes in. It is produced in small amounts and provides a high content of vitamins and nutrients and immune building antibodies that will give your newborn enough support for a great start. A mother’s body knows what her baby needs.

If you choose to breastfeed your baby but you don’t feel comfortable or are unable to breastfeed, you can pump your milk using a breast pump. Your baby can then learn to drink the breast milk through a bottle.

If you are able to feed your baby on the breast, there are no bottles to buy, wash or warm. You can feed your baby anywhere at anytime.

Extra milk can be pumped and stored in the freezer, which would be great if you leave your baby with a sitter or if you need to pump and dispose. You can store your milk in a freezer bag or freezer container.

There's a chance that you may not produce enough breast milk and feel that your baby is not getting enough. If this is the case you can supplement breast feeding with infant formula. That way your baby still gets the breast milk and you can rest assured that your little one isn't going hungry.

Pumping your milk will let you know exactly how much you are giving your baby each feeding, in case you're concerned about the amount your baby drinks.

Some of the signs of insufficient milk supply would be if your baby sucks for a few minutes and then starts crying. If your baby is getting enough to eat he or she will fall asleep sucking on the breast. You can also tell by watching the weight fluctuations of your little one. Call your pediatrician if you think you're baby is losing too much.

You will feel better and healthier when you choose to breastfeed. You are more aware of what you are eating therefore you will make healthier food choices. As your baby grows your breasts will most likely produce enough milk to satisfy your baby, giving it all the vitamins and nutrients that it needs for all stages of growth and development.