Parents tends to do what is best for their children, including breast feeding their infants. While it can be uncomfortable to do in a public setting, the bond between child and mother grows tremendously when the baby eats from its mother’s breast. In addition to strengthening the bond between parent and child, there are many medical benefits associated with breastfeeding. Discover now some of the medical benefits of breastfeeding your baby such as:
• protection against gastrointestinal trouble
• protection against allergies
• increased intelligence in the child
Research studies have found that the first milk your body produces contains immune factors that guard against germs by forming a protective lining on your baby’s mucous membranes in the intestines, throat, and nose. This is why it is important for mother to start nursing her child directly after birth.
Breastfeeding your baby helps protect your infant child from gastrointestinal trouble as well as respiratory problems and ear infections. Many research studies have been conducted around the world, less ear infections, and fewer respiratory illnesses in children who have been breastfed. Women involved in the research studies breastfed their babies exclusively for at least the first six months. This means the baby consumed breast milk only, no solid food.
Many research studies have also found that breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months can reduce the chances of the child developing allergies. Breastfed babies are also at less risk of developing asthma up to the average age of 6.In addition to the above, other studies have been conducted and have found possible links between breastfeeding and the child’s IQ. In these research studies, people who had been breastfed at least for the first six months of their lives scored higher on IQ tests. Experts have said that the emotional bonding associated with breastfeeding may be a key factor.
There are many other health benefits associated with breastfeeding your baby. Some of these benefits include:
• prevention of obesity in your child later in life
• lower your baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• prevention of childhood leukemia
While breastfeeding is not always a viable option, it can be beneficial to both mother and child. Not only is the bonding experience incredible, but the health benefits associated with breast feeding are numerous. Whenever the option is viable, a mother should consider breast feeding her child, because it is best for both mother and child.
