Five Major Benefits of Breastmilk

One doesn’t have to be a mom to have heard about breastmilk benefits. Even formula milk ads are required to disclose that breastmilk is what is scientifically proven to be best for babies. Very often, articles focus on how it is good for the infant, but it actually is good for both child and mother. Here are just five of its major benefits:

1. For the baby: It’s the best food!

A newborn thrives on its mother’s milk. Breastmilk benefits cannot be matched by formula. That’s because breast milk quickly becomes tailored to what your baby needs at various stages of their physical and brain development.

2. For the mom: It’s a great way to lose weight!

Breastfeeding benefits moms by giving them a very easy method to lose the baby weight! Each time a mother breastfeeds, she can lose up to 300 calories. If a mother breastfeeds a newborn twelve times a day, that’s 3,600 calories already! Once the baby starts eating less—say 8 times a day—a mother can still lose up to 2,400 calories simply by breastfeeding.

The trick is not to overeat, and the baby weight will definitely wither away!

3. For both: It’s a good way to bond.

So many mothers look forward to breastfeeding their infants because it is a wonderful, peaceful, and unique way to bond with their child. For the child, it is a good way to develop stability and recognition of their primary caregiver (their mother). For the mother, it is a good way to get to know their child which leads to greater understanding of the infant.

4. For both: It helps psychological development.

In line with #3, bonding also helps the psychological development of both. For the baby, a sense of security is strengthened with the mother. Breastfed babies are calmer, and—later in life—have higher self-esteem. 

For the mother, breastfeeding produces positive effects by releasing happy hormones. This reduces stress—a much needed benefit for new moms—which also promotes a sense of calmness in the mother.

5. For the pocket: It’s cheaper!

Breastfeeding benefits the entire family by giving parents one less expense! Let’s face it, formula is expensive, and a hungry baby can cost up to Php6,000 a month, depending on the type of formula recommended by the family pediatrician. With breastfeeding, however, the baby’s source of nutrients is not only free, but also the best!

Breastfeeding has all of these benefits and more, but it is no secret that it can be a challenge. 

Breastfeeding tips, lactation tips, and more information on healthy breastfeeding are readily available for moms with questions or who need help — just reach out to the Mommy Mundo community today!