By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Breast milk or formula? It’s been an age-old debate since formula came into existence in the 1920s. Many mothers firmly believe breast is best and exclusively breast feed. Others breastfeed and supplement with a formula that works well for their babies. And still, there are mothers who exclusively use formula.
Of course, I’m not here to tell you how to feed your child or which method is best, because at the end of the day, it is a very personal choice. However, this month, we are discussing the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
Breastfeeding is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of new motherhood, but mastering the art of breastfeeding takes time. The first few weeks can be difficult, and many women give up before they and their babies experience all the benefits.
Understanding how breastfeeding improves your health and the health of your baby can keep you motivated and increase your chances of success. Here are great reasons to keep trying.
Nutrients and Protein – Breast milk is the best food to help your baby to grow and develop. It is custom-made for your baby and contains the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. As your baby grows, your milk changes to keep up with his or her needs. Human milk is also easier for your baby to digest than formula.
Breast milk contains valuable antibodies that help prevent disease and may reduce the risk of your baby developing allergies. After birth, a mother’s first milk, called Colostrum, offers vital early protection and helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by coating your baby’s digestive system. This early protection is even more important if your baby is born prematurely.
Convenience – Breast milk is always safe, fresh and exactly the right temperature. It’s ready for your baby as soon as he or she is hungry and you don’t have to heat it, boil water or sterilize bottles. It also makes night time feedings a lot easier.
Since breast milk is always with you, travelling and shopping with your baby is simpler, with no equipment or refrigeration needed.
Improves mother’s health – In the last two decades, breastfeeding research has focused almost exclusively on the advantages to children. More recent studies have uncovered the life-saving health benefits for nursing mothers. Breastfeeding helps to heal the uterus, postpones menstruation and lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Quicker Weight Loss – Breastfeeding is one of the only things you can do to lose weight while not really doing anything. Maintaining a milk supply for your baby is a metabolic process that automatically burns an estimated 200 to 500 calories a day. This is why so many new moms drop weight quickly in the first few weeks after giving birth.
Reduces childhood obesity – Researchers have found that infants who were breastfed more than formula-fed babies or who were breastfed for longer periods had an approximately 20 per cent lower risk of being overweight in the pre-teen and teen years.
Why? Because infants who breastfeed rely on their own hunger signals. Bottle-fed babies, on the other hand, have less control over how much they eat. Parents frequently overfeed their infants in an attempt to not waste food or to finish a bottle. Over time this can cause children to lose touch with their innate hunger cues and develop a pattern of overeating.
Promotes mother and baby bonding – Breastfeeding is nature’s way of getting us to slow down and focus on our babies. And while bottle-feeding mothers also form powerful bonds with their infants, breastfeeding moms experience hormonal changes that can intensify feelings of closeness and well-being. It’s also very relaxing for your baby.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
