The benefits of breastfeeding for both you and baby

World Breastfeeding Week, 1-7 August 2017

The findings of many medical studies highlight the importance of optimal breastfeeding practices during infancy and early childhood, emphasising its contribution to increased health and wellbeing and lower mortality rates.

With its many benefits, breastfeeding is arguably the best start in life you can give to your newborn baby. And while it is not always easy, seeking advice or help from a professional in the early stages will be well worth the effort for you and your baby further down the line.

Why breast milk is best for baby
Not only is breast milk easily digestible, but it also contains the perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat, ensuring optimal nutrition for infants by providing them with everything they need to optimally grow. Here, breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight with less risk of becoming overweight as they transition into early childhood.

In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first few months of its life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from a long list of illnesses.

The antibodies in breast milk not only help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, but also reduces your baby's risk of developing allergies or asthma. A number of studies also indicate that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do occur.

Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding - where the baby is not fed any solid food, formula or water - is deemed to offer the most protection in the first six months.

What's more, the physical closeness in the form of skin-to-skin touching and eye contact promote mother-and-child bonding and helps your baby feel secure. Certain studies have also linked breastfeeding to higher IQ scores in later childhood.

Benefits for mom
Although breastfeeding can prove hard work initially, besides the many health advantages for your baby, you also stand to benefit in many ways.

Firstly, the baby's sucking during breastfeeding causes the mother's uterus to contract and reduces the flow of blood after delivery. In addition it releases the hormone oxytocin, which not only promotes a feeling of warmth and calm, but also helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

In terms of health benefits, breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer and research indicates it may also lower your chances of osteoporosis. In addition, it burns extra calories and mothers who breastfeed tend to get back to their pre-pregnancy figure more easily than mothers who bottle feed. 

And of course when it comes to cost, breastfeeding is the most economical way for you to provide your baby with the nutrition needed without having to spend a cent. It is also convenient and saves you the time and trouble of having to prepare formula and sterilise bottles, allowing you more time to bond with your baby instead.

Top breastfeeding tips

• Many new mothers worry that they don't have enough milk, and stop breastfeeding in favour of formula when they see their baby's weight dropping. However you need to remember that some weight loss in the first few days is completely normal and most babies return to their birth weight within two weeks of delivery. Following that, if your baby is not steadily gaining weight every week, your midwife or nursing professional will be able to advise you whether you should be topping up with formula.
• Everyone will have their own varying opinion when it comes to how you should breastfeed your baby. However when it comes to breastfeeding, what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's best to take it day by day and find what works best for you and your baby.
• It is important to remember that your baby is not a machine and will want to eat when hungry. Trying to force a schedule will not only be stressful for you but also your baby. Rather let your baby feed when it is hungry or you will risk decreased milk production for yourself and poor weight gain for your baby.

Where to get help and support
La Leche League of South Africa is a voluntary organisation that provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies. www.llli.org/SouthAfrica.html and [email protected] provides a list of lactation experts and support groups.