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In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, here are our some of our FAVORITE reasons to breastfeed. What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Breastmilk Is Always Ready for Baby
Your breasts make milk around the clock, so there will always be milk ready for baby when he/she needs it. No waiting for water to warm up, or to mix up formula. No need to check the temperature. No need to prep ahead of a trip. It's always there and ready to go!
It's Eco Friendly
Breastmilk is an extremely eco-friendly way to feed your baby! There is little to no waste, and the packaging is reusable. 😉
It's Healthy for Baby AND for Mother
Many studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby, but did you know it also is good for the health of the mother? Studies have shown that there may be a decreased risk of certain types of cancer among women who breastfeed for 6 months-1 year, as opposed to women who have never breastfed. The studies show even more benefit for women who breastfeed for 2+ years! It may also reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.
It Encourages Bonding
This can happen in several ways, but the primary one is simple: physical proximity and attention to your baby. Obviously, breastfeeding your baby means you are *close* to your infant, allowing you to smell them, stroke them, talk and sing to them, etc. All of these promote baby's emotional wellbeing. Milk production involves oxytocin-the love hormone-increasing your hormonal drive to connect with your new baby. Skin-to-skin breastfeeding can also regulate temperature, heart rate, and breathing, allowing your baby to relax and respond to you even better!
It's Tailor-Made for Your Baby
Every time you breastfeed, there is an exchange between your body and your baby's body, which allows allllllll kinds of adjustments in your breastmilk. Exposure to illness will prompt specific antibodies to be created. The ratios of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will change as the baby ages. Water content can increase during high temp seasons. Milk production will increase or decrease in response to how often/how much the baby is nursing, allowing for just the right amount. What an incredible design!
It's Cost Effective
While nursing is certainly not without some costs (time, energy, nursing pillows or nursing friendly clothes, etc), it's by far the cheapest way to feed a baby. Depending on how much you buy in the way of supplies or special clothing, it can be nearly free.
This is always a win in my book.
It Supports Proper Mouth Development
"In 2018, a study of 630 children suggested that the longer a child was breastfed, the better his or her chance for:
-Properly spaced baby teeth
-Flush terminal and median planes, which refers to the correct way upper and lower teeth meet for ideal chewing
-“Ideal” incisor overbite, which means that the front teeth are the appropriate distance in front of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed"
We believe that breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way to feed your baby. However, we also believe in equipping parents to make their own informed decisions.
Breastfeeding does not make you a good parent; loving your child and doing your best to care for them does.
There are many reasons why a mother may choose not to breastfeed-including inability to do so- and they are all valid. ❤️