If you’re thinking about not breastfeeding your new baby, you’ve probably been inundated with information. It’s a personal decision that only you can make, but the benefits seem limitless. Before you decide or if you simply need reassurance that breast milk is the best option for you, consider all of the advantages for both you and your baby.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It contains an adequate amount of nutrients, is easily digestible, and is readily available. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until a child is two years old or older because the benefits last that long. For the greatest benefits, these organisations recommend starting as soon as one hour after birth. You can also learn the best way to breastfeed here.

Here are some benefits of breastfeeding:

1. Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition to your baby

• Most doctors recommend exclusively breastfeeding for at least 6 months, if not much longer.
• Breast milk contains everything a baby requires for the first six months of life, in exactly the right amounts. Its composition changes in response to the baby’s changing needs, particularly during the first month of life.
• During the first few days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and packed with antioxidants. It is truly a miracle food that cannot be replaced by a formula.

2. Breastfeeding will provide important antibodies to your baby

• Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and bacteria, which is especially important during the vulnerable early months.
• This is especially true for colostrum, or first milk. Colostrum contains a high concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) as well as several other antibodies.
• IgA keeps the baby healthy by forming a protective layer in the nose, throat, and digestive system.

3. Breastfeeding reduces the chances of risk of diseases

• Exclusive breastfeeding, in which the infant only receives breast milk, is especially beneficial.
• It may lower your baby’s risk of a variety of illnesses and diseases, including middle ear infections, gut infections, colds, allergic infections, bowel infections and many others.

4. Breastfeeding will promote your baby with healthy body weight

• Breastfeeding encourages healthy weight gain and aids in the prevention of childhood obesity.
• According to a study, breastfeeding for more than 4 months reduced the chances of a baby becoming overweight or obese.
• This could be due to the growth of various gut bacteria. Breastfed babies have higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria, which may influence fat storage.
• Breast-fed babies have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is an important hormone in the regulation of appetite and fat storage.
• Breastfed babies self-regulate their milk intake as well. They are better at eating only until they are full, which aids in the development of healthy eating habits.

5. Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract

• During pregnancy, your uterus expands enormously, from the size of a pear to nearly filling the entire space of your abdomen.
• Following delivery, your uterus undergoes a process known as involution, which allows it to return to its original size. This process is aided by oxytocin, a hormone that rises during pregnancy.
• During labour, your body secretes large amounts of oxytocin to aid in the delivery of the baby and to reduce bleeding. It can also assist you in bonding with your new child.
• During breastfeeding, oxytocin levels rise as well. It promotes uterine contractions and decreases bleeding, allowing the uterus to return to its original size.