5 Benefits of Breastfeeding You May Not Be Aware Of

Breastfeeding has a worthy reputation and with great reason. At its core, it’s an opportunity to give your baby everything they need to thrive for the first six months of life. The nutritional content of breast milk is nothing short of amazing, full of the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support your growing baby.  

While this in itself can convince anyone to consider breastfeeding, the reality is that there are so many other advantages tied to breastfeeding, for both you and your baby. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the lesser-known rewards that come with a breastfeeding journey.

5 More Commonly Known Benefits of Breastfeeding

1. Nutritional Content

Breastfeeding is known well for its nutritional content and immune-boosting properties. It’s  loaded with macronutrients, vitamins and minerals that encourage your baby to grow before they start eating solid foods. There’s a reason they say breast is best!  

2. Convenience

By far, one of the biggest advantages of exclusive breastfeeding is the convenience. Instead of having to get up and make a bottle, you can simply bring your baby’s mouth close to your chest for a feeding. With the hustle and bustle of motherhood, breastfeeding can add more time back into your day.

3. Digestibility

Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, based on its make up of lactose, protein and fat. And according to Kids Health, breastfed infants are less likely to have problems with digestion than formula-fed infants. This can make for a happier baby and a happier mother, too. 

4. Cognitive Support

Breast milk isn’t just great for physical wellness, it’s also great for cognitive function as well! In fact, researchers found that babies who breastfed for at least three months saw an improvement in cognitive development in comparison to non-breastfed babies. 

5. Reduced Disease and Allergy Risk

Did you know that breastfed babies are less likely to develop illness, infection, and allergies? Breast milk transports antibodies from you to your baby, helping to build a strong immune system and protect from stomach bugs and ear infections. Furthermore, breastfed babies are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

5 Other Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is amazing for your baby, but it’s remarkable for you as well! Here are some of the lesser-known benefits of breastfeeding:

1. Immune Help for Mom

Feeding your baby breast milk meets their immunity needs in terms of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and white blood cells. And just as quickly as you can boost your baby’s immunity while breastfeeding, you can boost your own as well. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most impactful benefits of extended breastfeeding is positivity in your own long-term health. Breastfeeding may lower your risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as several cancers, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. 

2. Weight Management

As previously noted, breast milk is loaded with all of the macronutrients necessary to help a growing baby thrive. But did you know that breastfeeding may also help with maternal weight management? 

Since breastfeeding uses extra calories to produce milk, there’s a chance that it can assist in weight loss after having your baby. Just remember: many other factors play a role in weight management and not every body is the same. 

3. Bonding Opportunities

Breastfeeding is one of the most unique ways to connect with your baby and develop trust at an early age. It can come with many other positive psychological effects. Research shows that the oxytocin released in human breast milk can reduce negative tendencies in babies, such as withdrawal and anxiety. The researchers associated this with improved social development and reduced antisocial behavior. 

4. Financial and Environmental Consciousness

If you consider the benefits of breastfeeding month by month, one of the biggest is financial and environmental savings. Producing your own milk means money saved on formula, and neglecting to buy formula means less waste regarding materials that may not be recyclable. 

5. Women Empowerment 

Making the decision to breastfeed can be an incredibly empowering feeling, which is a major benefit of breastfeeding for mom. Breastfeeding encourages you and your baby’s strength, growth and resilience, enabling you to be the best version of yourself.  

Breastfeeding is a personal choice that allows you to fulfill your baby’s needs. It’s an experience that showcases your love, dedication, understanding, and intuition as a mother, and it’s something that no one can take away from you. 

Cherish the Memory of Breastfeeding Forever

The long term benefits of breastfeeding can go far beyond the moment your feeding journey comes to an end. Breastfeeding is the perfect blend of nourishment, protection and connection, and can be cherished for a lifetime with KeepsakeMom. 

Our collection of breastmilk jewelry encapsulates all of the emotions of your breastfeeding journey and serves as a memento to honor this stage of your own and your child’s lives. With a gorgeous piece of breastmilk jewelry, you can keep the memory alive for years to come and one day pass down the emblem to your child.
Shop our full collection of breastmilk jewelry at KeepsakeMom.