Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Why Breastfeed My Baby?

Perhaps you find yourself thinking "why breastfeed? Aren't artificial milks just as good?"

First - breastfeeding is natural. Second - all health care professionals now state that breastfeeding is the best method of infant feeding!

Human milk has stood the test of time, helping countless generations of babies to move from dependent infant into independent child.

It's easily digested and most of the nutrients are absorbed by your baby - more than with any other infant food! Why breastfeed? Baby's tummy will thank you for that choice! :D

Your body will thank you, too. Nursing helps your uterus move back towards its pre-pregnancy shape more quickly and completely. Powerful hormones are also released as you breast feed your baby - so you relax and enjoy your child.

Breastmilk is Complete

Human milk has all the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that your baby needs. Your milk changes from day to day to suit your baby!

Your milk helps her learn the flavors and foods you love so she's familiar with your family's diet!

Artificial baby milks must be diluted or enriched to become substances babies can use for food. The bases of these formulas are proteins that aren't meant for human babies to consume. The advantages of human milk are the gold standard - baby formulas have big disadvantages.

Human milk has cholesterol in it, which is vital for your baby's development. She needs cholesterol for growth - a low cholesterol diet is deadly for your baby.

Baby also needs the healthy fats in your milk. Human milk has natural fatty acids in it - DHA and ARA. The synthetic versions of these fatty acids in formula may not be tolerated well by babies. You can safely increase these fatty acids in your milk with natural supplements - read more about fish oils and breast milk to learn how.

Your milk also has lactose, an important sugar, in it. Lactose is in just the right proportion; no other sugars need to be added as they must in artificial baby milks.

When you breastfeed your baby gets the iron in your milk. This iron is highly bio-available, meaning it's well-absorbed. Formulas must add so much iron because babies can't digest the iron in them well.

Your milk is calcium rich. It has vitamin D in small amounts, which your baby needs to turn the calcium into strong bones. Your baby has stores of vitamin D built up in pregnancy. She also gets vitamin D from sun exposure.

Just a few minutes of sunlight on her cheeks daily is enough for her to make the vitamin D she needs. If she has a dark complexion, she may need more sunlight. If you are rarely outside or if you wear traditional clothing that covers much of your body, you may want to ask your baby's doctor about supplementing vitamin D - a natural supplement (such as a cod liver oil for you) is probably best.

Generally you don't want to supplement your baby - dropping an artificial supplement into your baby's mouth can upset the delicate balance of her body.

Breastfeeding Continues Your Special Bond

You and your baby have an intimate connection that began as soon as you felt that you were pregnant. It grew as your baby grew within you and you marveled at the little person kicking you.

As you wonder why to breastfeed remember nursing is the best and most natural choice to continue your bond.

You'll find your baby craves you. Your arms, your breasts, and your warm milk make her happy. Nursing and keeping your baby close helps you learn the art of mothering.

Experts such as Dr. William Sears observe that mothers who breastfeed their babies are more "in tune" with the needs of their infants. Nursing is a natural extension of pregnancy and birth, and good mothering flows out of the bond you have with your baby.

Even if you and your baby don't have the start that you've been dreaming of because of a premature or surgical birth (or perhaps an extended hospital stay) you can still enjoy the benefits of a breastfeeding relationship. You'll also benefit from the mothering intuition that develops as you breastfeed.

Breastfeeding Protects Your Baby

Your milk will give your baby amazing protection against illness. This protection begins with your colostrum in the first few days after birth and continues as long as you breastfeed.

Study after study proves that breastfed babies get sick less often!

Your milk sends antibodies to your baby. Secretory immunoglobulin, or sIgA, is the most well know of these antibodies. It protects your baby's mucous membranes - these line much of her digestive track as well as much of her respiratory system. This protection is vitally important to your baby and covers one of the most sensitive areas of her body.

Your body produces antibodies specifically for your environment. When you are exposed to germs your body reacts with antibodies. These antibodies are sent right through your milk to your baby!

If your baby picks up a germ and gives it to you (perhaps through nursing), your body makes an antibody and sends it right back to her!

Human milk gives babies protection against illness. Breastfed babies have fewer infections than babies given formulas. Breastfed babies also have higher resistance against chronic illnesses, including type 1 and 2 diabetes.

There is evidence that babies who are breastfed have increased protection from SIDS.

Breastfeeding your baby can give her protection from allergies. Delaying her exposure to common allergens (such as cow's milk and soy found in infant formulas) gives her the time she needs to mature so that allergies don't develop.

Sometimes breastfed babies still develop allergies, particularly if there is a strong family history of allergies. Your milk still does wonders for your baby! You are able to give her the benefit of your nutritious milk. You have peace of mind knowing she is being well-nourished while you slowly introduce foods. You can also feel more confident leaving allergic foods out of her diet knowing that she has your milk.

Breastfeeding Gives Your Baby a Smart Start

Studies have also shown that breastfeeding enhances cognitive development. Children who were breastfed showed higher scores which were statistically significant on intelligence testing. These tests have shown differences even in seven and eight year olds. Many factors come into play in intelligence, but you can be sure that your milk is designed to help your baby's mind develop optimally.

Your milk also benefits your baby in other ways. It helps her face and jaw to develop properly. It gives her added protection from obesity in later life. It also provides her with pain relief. Besides all these benefits, breastfeeding your baby helps to forge a close bond between the two of you. It's a beautiful relationship.

Breastfeeding Saves Lives in Emergencies

If you and your baby should ever encounter an emergency situation, your milk will truly be gold. Even if the power is out and the water is not running, your milk will be there for your baby. Even if you are lost in the woods or stranded in your car, your milk will be there for your baby. Nursing is truly a wonderful thing. Read Christine's story to see how breastfeeding saved her baby during a natural disaster (if you have a story about breastfeeding your baby in an emergency situation and would like to share contact me!)

Breastfeeding is Wonderful

Nursing your baby is a pleasurable experience. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable to take time out of your busy day to sit and be with your baby. You will be able to interact with her. After she drifts off and sleeps peacefully in your lap you may be able to get some reading done. Or you can just enjoy looking at your precious little one.

To learn more about the advantages of breastfeeding, I highly recommend La Leche League's The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It is an exhaustive and comprehensive guidebook to all things nursing. You will find it invaluable to read during pregnancy, to guide you through the early weeks, and to reference throughout your nursing relationship.