Research-backed
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Breast milk is the best for the baby. We all know this, don’t we? We also know the innumerable benefits of breastfeeding. However, what if we told you that breastfeeding is nothing short of a superpower? Don’t believe us? Then here are 8 reasons to prove that breastfeeding is a superpower for real:
1. It Can Help In Losing Pregnancy Weight
When a woman’s body is producing precious breast milk, it does so by burning a large number of calories. In fact, a new mom can burn up to 500 calories per day if she is breastfeeding. So, don’t be surprised if you are breastfeeding and find yourself losing weight in this duration (1).
2. Breast Milk Automatically Changes Its Composition According To The Baby’s Needs
From being a newborn to turning into an infant, this phase might be full development for a baby. As babies grow faster and become more active by the day, their nutritional needs might also increase. But guess what? A mother need not worry as breast milk can automatically change its composition to suit the growing baby’s needs (2).
3. Babies Can Get Stem Cells From Breast Milk
According to recent studies, it has been found that breast milk contains a large number of cells with properties that are similar to stem cells. Such cells are necessary for a developing baby as they can become part of the growing brain, kidneys, heart, and bone tissue (3).
4. Breastfeeding Can Calm Down Babies And Mothers
The act of sucking during breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin in the breastfeeding mother and infant. Oxytocin has long been associated with a calming and happy effect. Oxytocin released in breastfeeding mothers helps them to destress. Whereas in infants, with time, they begin to form an image of their mother which helps them to calm down and stay happy even when the mother is not around (4).
5. It Protects Infants From Various Illnesses
It is common knowledge now, but let us reiterate this. Breast milk contains several antibodies. These antibodies protect your baby from many early illnesses such as ear infections, respiratory problems, diarrhea, or allergies (5).
6. Breastfeeding Can Boosts The Baby’s Intelligence
According to various studies, it has been found that breastfeeding can enhance the growth and development of the baby’s brains. This, in turn, boosts their cognitive development and improves intelligence. So, the longer you breastfeed, the better your baby’s IQ will be (6).
7. Helps Maintain A Healthy Weight Of The Baby
Childhood obesity is a reality. The amount of processed foods and junk the kids consume can easily contribute to this health risk. However, many observational studies suggest that breastfeeding during infancy reduce as much as 20% of the risk of obesity in children of school-going age. Thus, it can be safely said that breastfeeding your baby during the early years can help them maintain a healthy weight later in life too (7).
8. It Is The Best Way To Bond With The Baby
A new mommy will have her hands full once the baby arrives. Diaper duties, sleep schedules, and feeding routines will literally keep her on her toes. In this scenario, the only time a mother and baby will be alone together is during breastfeeding. It gives them enough time to bond with each other. As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding releases oxytocin in both the mother and the baby. This hormone helps babies recognize their mother in a calm state of mind. It is the same for mothers as oxytocin destresses them and they begin to emotionally respond to their baby in a better way. Thus, it helps strengthen the mother-child bonding (8).
Don’t these facts reiterate our belief in the power of breastfeeding? We’ve just managed to bring 8 facts to your attention and believe there could be more. But no matter how many breastfeeding facts we put forth, we’re sure we’ll continue to discover its many unbelievable benefits for years to come!
