The benefits of breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are many. Baby is both nourished, strengthened and boosted for life in the form of, among other things, prevention of a number of diseases. And it would be a shame if there were not also benefits for mothers who have breastfed. Having said that, it is important to state that motherhood does not sit in the breasts.

There are women who choose not to breastfeed for various reasons. This must of course be respected. A small number of women do not have the opportunity to breastfeed for various reasons. It can be vulnerable and emotional, so respectful care is in order.

With that said, this article is about the benefits of breastfeeding. Because there are many benefits. And thus good reasons why the Danish Health Authority recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the child's first 6 months of life and then partial breastfeeding until the child is 12 months or older.

Health benefits for the child

The first milk produced in the breast is called colostrum. With its composition of hormones and growth factors, it helps to mature the baby's intestinal system. The antibodies in colostrum coat the inside of the intestines, preventing bacteria from penetrating, thereby minimizing the risk of illness.

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for your child, as the milk adapts to the baby's needs both during each meal and as the baby grows. Breast milk also adapts to premature birth, so even a few drops are liquid gold.

Research points to a number of benefits for children who are breastfed. Among other things, breastfeeding is shown to prevent:

• Otitis media
• Respiratory infection
• Stomach infection and diarrhea

There is also research that suggests that breastfeeding can reduce the risk that the baby will later have:

• Diabetes types 1 and 2
• Obesity
• Childhood leukemia
• Sudden infant death syndrome

Furthermore, there is research that indicates that children who have been exclusively breastfed for 6 months have a higher IQ, better vision, and better cognitive development.

This means that there are lifelong benefits for the child who has been exclusively breastfed for 6 months - and preferably longer.

And in general, it is seen that when breastfed babies get sick - because it cannot be completely avoided - they get sick less and are sick for a shorter time than babies who are given formula. Simply because the female body is so ingenious that it produces specific antibodies against the disease the child has contracted. The same applies, by the way, if the mother gets sick (link to breastfeeding and illness). That's brilliant!

Health benefits for the mother

There is also research that shows that breastfeeding can have health benefits for the person who breastfeeds. Be it in relation to breast cancer and possibly also ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, there is no research that supports the idea that it is easier for mothers to lose weight when breastfeeding, so it must be said to be both a myth and deeply individual.

Breastfeeding is convenient

Once breastfeeding is well established, which can require patience, practice and help (insert link to various articles), it hardly gets more convenient. The breasts are literally at hand, the milk is at the right temperature, there is no washing up or scalding of baby bottles and the breast milk is free. What's not to like!

Nighttime breastfeeding versus bottle feeding

Studies show that breastfed and bottle-fed babies eat equally frequently at night. In turn, the same study shows that babies who are breastfed at night fall back asleep faster, due to increased production of the deep relaxation hormone oxytocin.

Other benefits of breastfeeding

There is no denying that breastfeeding is healthy. The above benefits are often mentioned. Not so often are the many other important and supportive benefits of breastfeeding mentioned. Specifically, breastfeeding has many other brilliant functions besides nutrition and prevention. Among others:

• Breastfeeding is also comforting when baby is sad.
• Breastfeeding is a bond between mother and baby, among other things through the oxytocin that is produced and secreted during breastfeeding.
• Regulating a baby's nervous system in a world of many impressions and a period of rapid development
• Security
• Calm
• Cuddling and supporting the sleep that is so important

Free access to the breasts around the clock has many advantages. Both for the newborn child and at least up to the child's first birthday. And yes, breastfeeding requires both time and patience. On the other hand, breastfeeding is nutritious for the child both here and now and throughout the rest of his life. And the comfort and security that the breast provides is in itself reason enough for breast milk to have been given its nickname: The golden drops. Because breast milk is golden drops with many advantages in it.