The Benefits of Breastfeeding that all Women Should Know

Breast milk is an environmentally friendly product and there are health risks and financial costs associated with not breastfeeding.

Mothers all want the best for their newborn babies and nothing compares to natural breast milk that contains all the goodness of living cells that protects the baby’s immune system and helps with growth and development.

We’ve all seen the many advertisements out there for infant formula, but why don’t we see as many to promote breastfeeding? There is not enough promotion on the benefits of breast milk which is crucial to know for the health of both the baby and its mother.

There are endless health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby. According to a government fact sheet for breastfeeding and nutrition, breast milk, “protects the baby from illness and infection” because “the colostrum and breast milk contain antibiotics that help provide resistance.” It further minimises the development of allergies, improves the baby’s brain development, growth, and immune system.

Not only that but you, as the breastfeeding mother, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council will have a “reduced risk of postpartum haemorrhage and breast and ovarian cancer.”

According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, it is stated under the Infant Feeding Guidelines that “the rates of breastfeeding decline to approximately 50-60% at six months”, only a small number of women achieve exclusively breastfeeding for these first six months as recommended, however even a smaller percentage of women (25%) continue to breastfeed for the 12 months. While it is fine to stop at the six-month mark, breastfeeding for 12 months can only do your baby good.

If you can’t physically breastfeed for any reason, formula is definitely the next best thing. It mimics the natural properties that breast milk contains. However there are some risks and disadvantages that can be linked to babies who are not breastfed which are listed in the fact sheet and include an increased likelihood of allergy, increased risk of cot death and illnesses.

Not only that, but why choose something as expensive as infant formulas and feeding equipment when you have your own free, healthy and natural version that you produce yourself.

According to the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010 – 2015, “It is important to protect, promote and support breastfeeding at a population level and for those members of the community who are vulnerable to social and health disadvantage.”

If you are a mother and feel that breastfeeding isn’t for you because you can’t get your baby to latch on, or you feel that formula milk is an easier option, then you haven’t been properly informed on how much better breast milk is, and that’s why the benefits of breastfeeding should be advertised and promoted more.

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