Breastfeeding is a personal choice for mothers. It is a personal decision, which only a mother knows what’s best for her and her baby. Breastfeeding has proven to be one of the main practices for offering children a healthy life resulting in many benefits for the baby. Immediately after birth, the mum should attempt to start breastfeeding the newborn. If possible, breastfeeding should take place in the delivery room.
When breastfeeding is started early, it will begin to foster a bond between mum and baby. Starting the breastfeeding immediately after the baby is born will also help to keep the baby warm and comfortable. The skin-to-skin contact between mum and baby will be very soothing to the baby.
Breast milk has been proven to be the “perfect food” for your hungry baby. Research has revealed that breast milk from breastfeeding has antibodies that will protect a baby from common illnesses. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, breastfeeding your baby will allow them to have an easier time with digestion.
Research has also proven that breastfeeding your baby may result in a higher IQ. It is one of the best choices that a mum can make for the health and development of their baby.
Breastfeeding not only has many benefits for the baby. It also has many benefits for the mum as well. The health benefits are numerous. However, breastfeeding mothers like to know that it will help to burn more calories thus letting mums get back to the weight they were prior to becoming pregnant. Moreover, studies have shown that breastfeeding mums have a decrease in the risk of gaining certain types of cancers and other health problems.
One of the questions that arise is when should a mum stop breastfeeding their baby. It will become a mutual decision between mum and the baby and should be done when both are happy to stop breastfeeding.
When the baby starts an interest in solid foods, it may be a sign to stop breastfeeding. Mum will know the baby well enough to see the signs that the baby is ready to stop breastfeeding.
A breastfeeding baby photo by Dadi Precious
Mums may need to stop breastfeeding the baby for personal reasons. One of the reasons is preparing to go back to work. The switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can take place. It will be a learning process for the baby. The baby will have to learn to drink from a bottle. Suckling from a mother’s teat is different that the bottle.
Breastfeeding takes a lot of time and commitment. It offers tons of benefits for mum and baby with zero cost. And, it is one of the best things you can do for your baby. If you have tried and breastfeeding simply doesn’t work, consider using a breast pump. That way, your baby will reap the benefits of consuming breast milk without breastfeeding.
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