Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Breastfeeding You Need To Know

Breastfeeding is not just a natural act but also a significant decision for new mums. Whether it's the bonding experience, nutritional benefits, or the emotional connection, breastfeeding offers unique advantages for both mother and baby. Here are ten awesome facts about breastfeeding:

• Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for newborns, containing essential antibodies and nutrients that support their immune system development.
• The act of breastfeeding can promote maternal-infant bonding and create a strong emotional connection between the mother and her baby.
• Research indicates that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of certain health conditions for both mother and baby, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• Breastfeeding can help the uterus contract more quickly post birth.
• Breast milk is easily digestible and is gentle on the baby's stomach, reducing the likelihood of digestive issues or allergies.
• The time spent breastfeeding can vary from 8 to 12 times a day, depending on the baby's age and appetite, providing multiple opportunities for bonding and closeness.  Over a year it's estimated that mum's spend 1800 hours breastfeeding. Just for comparison this is the same amount of annual hours as a full time job.
• Breastfeeding can lower the risk of postpartum depression in mothers due to the release of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone".
• Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores and improved cognitive development in breastfed babies.
• Breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as breastfeeding helps to regulate estrogen levels in the body.
• Breastfeeding can save families money on infant formula costs and reduce the environmental impact of producing, packaging, and disposing of formula.
  In conclusion, breastfeeding is more than just a feeding method; it is a holistic experience that benefits both mother and baby physically, emotionally, and mentally. By understanding these top facts about breastfeeding, new mums can make informed decisions that support their health and well-being.

References:

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Breastfeeding.
• La Leche League International. (n.d.). The Benefits of Human Milk for Infants.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Infant and young child feeding.