12 Awesome Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Baby

In this Sponsored Guest Post from Tracy Montford (from Cake Maternity), you’ll learn some fascinating benefits of breastfeeding for baby.

Breastfeeding your children exclusively for the first six months of their life gives them the best possible start in life.

It is the most healthy, sustainable, low cost and easy form of feeding your child and it’s the way nature intended.

Some women will continue to feed their children up to as a toddler.  There is no right or wrong choice. A young child will still benefit from breast milk through nutrition and nurturing.  

Choosing to stop should not be taken lightly and should be made when it is right for both mother and child.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

12 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Antibodies

Breast milk is full of antibodies that help to keep a baby’s immune system strong.  His ability to fight off infections will be greater, resulting in less sickness. The benefits of a strong immune system will continue on well into adulthood.

Growth and Development

Breast milk aids in the growth and physical development of your baby.  Breast milk is particularly beneficial for premature babies as it is very easy to digest.  Baby will get maximum benefit with little effort.

Naturally Nutritious

Breast milk is natural and nutritious.  It is free from chemicals and processed matter.

Benefits From Your Diet

Baby benefits from your diet and the good things you eat.

Weight Benefits

A breastfed baby is less likely to become obese and or overweight.  He will gain a taste for good food and is likely to be a less fussy eater than a baby who has been formula-fed.  

Gentle

Breast milk is gentler on the stomach and much easier to digest.  He is less likely to become constipated and have regular bowel motions.

More Settled Sleep

Breast milk can aid in a more settled sleep.  This is because his body has to work less to digest the milk.

Vision

Breast milk enhances vision.  Baby’s that are breastfeed have better eyesight generally speaking.  This is due to the fatty acid chains in breast milk.

Healthy Teeth

Breastfeeding helps to promote good healthy teeth.  The motion of sucking on the breast aids in the development of a strong jaw and healthy weight teeth.

A breastfed baby is likely to have fewer cavities compared to a formula-fed baby.

Immune System

Breastfeed babies are less likely to have allergies and develop conditions such as eczema.  Breast milk helps to make a baby’s immune system less sensitive to overactive defenses.

Breast milk helps to protect baby from respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.  It also helps to protect him against developing ear infections.

Lower Risk of SIDS

Studies have suggested that breastfeed babies are at a lower risk of SIDS (cot death).

IQ

Studies have suggested that breastfed babies have a higher IQ than formula feed babies.

A breastfed baby’s brain develops faster in the early years giving him a head start in life.

Breastfed babies are more likely grow up to be confident, assured adults.  This is due to the security and bond created during those early years, between mother and child.

Persevere

Breastfeeding does not always come naturally to all women.  For some of us it can be a struggle to begin with.

It is my advice to persevere through the first weeks because it does get easier.  

Seek help should it be required to assist in your feeding technique.

Invest in good quality nursing bras that will last the duration of your breastfeeding journey. Cake nursing bras are designed to support a very heavy bust and will have reinforced lower cups for added lift and support. You should also invest in a cotton washable nursing pads and other products that will assist your breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeed as much as you can for as long as you can but if things get a little much for you, don’t ever feel any less about yourself. Treasure every moment of your breastfeeding journey however long or short.

Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https://www.cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity .