The Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal decision, made with thoughtful consideration of its extensive benefits, significant impact on the baby's health, and the essential supportive role of the partner in this collaborative journey. As a midwife with extensive experience, I've observed that the cornerstone of successful breastfeeding lies in possessing both knowledge and confidence as well as support from the partner. In this article, we will explore the myriad benefits of breastfeeding, shedding light on why it is such a powerful choice for both mother and child.

Breastfeeding offers an exceptional start to your newborn's life, safeguarding their health, providing optimal nourishment, and strengthening the mother-child bond. It also offers significant health advantages for the mother.

Below are the key benefits of breastfeeding:

For the baby:

• Better cognitive development (higher IQ) and better secure attachment

• Better psycho motive development

• Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome

• Better jaw development (better latch): reduces the risk of dental malocclusion

• Anti bacterial: avoid infections

• Reduces the risk of obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, vascular diseases (high blood pressure, hypercholesterol), leukemia, cancers…

• Reduces caw’s milk protein allergies

• Benefits respiratory functions, reduces the risk of asthma…

• Reduces the risk of dermatitis, eczema

• Reduces digestive issues: diarrhea, IBS, Crohn disease

• Premature newborn: reduces mortality, benefits growth ,supports cerebral development

For the mother:

• Reduces post-partum bleeding, prevents hemorrhage

• Fasters uterine involutionLink to the article

• Helps getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight

• Increases time in between 2 pregnancies

• Reduces gynecological cancers such as breast and ovary cancers

• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis after menopause

For the community:

• Economical

• Ecological

For the partner:

As soon as the partner understands the benefits of breast feeding, it becomes a real challenge and a goal to get involved in the triade.

Successful breastfeeding thrives in an atmosphere of tranquility, confidence, and relaxation, which are vital for the secretion of the necessary hormonal cocktail for milk production. In this context, the partner's role in nurturing a supportive environment is crucial. They can bolster the mother's spirits, ensure she is well-nourished and free from stress, and participate in making informed decisions collectively for the baby's health. This collaborative approach not only facilitates effective breastfeeding but also fosters a harmonious family dynamic.

Practical advantages:

• Free

• Good temperature

• Quantity is adapting according to the baby’s needs

• Taste changes according to mother’s nutrition

What is different with formulas?

Breast milk is a dynamic and living substance, uniquely adapting to the evolving needs of the baby. Colostrum, the initial milk produced in the first few days, is not only easy to digest but also plays a critical role in protecting the infant's intestinal mucosa from external pathogens. It fosters the growth of Bifidobacteria in the digestive tract and aids in the elimination of meconium due to its laxative effect. Colostrum produced by mothers of premature newborns is especially rich in protein and contains more digestible lipids.

Milk composition varies depending on gestational age, the baby's weight, and even changes during a single feeding or from day to day. Notably, if a baby is sick, the composition of breast milk alters to help fight the infection, showcasing its remarkable adaptability.

This adaptability of breast milk to the infant's health status further underscores its vital role in early childhood development.

What is the mother’s milk composition ?

It’s the same as the amniotic water and has the same odor as the mother.

• Water: major element. There's no need to provide water to your baby, even during hot weather. Your breast milk is sufficiently hydrating and meets all their hydration needs!

• Proteins: nutritional, supporting growth, but also serve a protective role. They offer anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious benefits and include antibodies. Given the immaturity of a baby's digestive mucosa, Immunoglobulin A, abundantly present in colostrum, plays a crucial role in preventing bacteria and viruses from adhering to and invading the mucosal lining.

• Carbohydrates: glucose protecting the intestinal mucosa against bacterial invasion

• Lipids: facilitate intestinal fat absorption and offer protection against parasites and viruses. They are essential for the development of the brain, nerves, and retina. Breast milk is rich in DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain development, a component notably absent in cow's milk.

• Vitamins:

  • Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.

  • Vitamin B12: Necessary for brain development and nerve function.

  • Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and immune function.

  • Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells.

  • Vitamin K: Crucial for blood clotting.

• Minerals:

  • Calcium: Vital for bone and teeth development.

  • Iron: Essential for blood production and brain development.

  • Zinc: Supports immune function and healthy growth.

  • Sodium: Important for fluid balance and nerve function.

  • Potassium: Crucial for heart function and muscle building.

• Hormones:

  • Leptin: Involved in appetite regulation.

  • Ghrelin: Known as the "hunger hormone".

  • Insulin: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  • Thyroid hormones: Important for metabolism and growth.

  • Adiponectin: Plays a role in fat metabolism and sugar regulation.

• Enzymes

Breast milk's composition is a remarkable blend of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones, uniquely tailored to the evolving needs of the growing infant and responsive to changes in the baby's health.

Now, are you ready for a beautiful breastfeeding journey?