Your Baby’s Immune System Can Benefit From Breast Milk

Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby’s growth and development. Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula. There are health risks to your baby if you are not breastfeeding. Breast milk has agents (called antibodies) in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. Babies who are not exclusively breastfed for 6 months are more likely to develop a variety of infectious diseases including ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases. They are sick more often and have more doctor’s visits. Babies who are breastfed score higher on IQ tests in children, especially babies born prematurely.

Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy. It also helps the uterus return to its original size, and reduces bleeding you may have after giving birth, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and the possible risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.

Breastfeeding can help you bond with your baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforting, There are many benefits to breastfeeding. Even if you can do so only for a short time, your baby’s immune system can benefit from breast milk.