I know I may get some flax here as a male stating that breastfeeding should really NOT be an option, but if a couple makes a decision to have a child EVERY decision needs to be in that child’s best interest. Some say that they couldn’t nurse–so what would’ve happened to that baby 1,000 yrs ago?? I don’t think Mother Nature would’ve planned for a large chunk of newborns to die because the mom couldn’t nurse.
Either way, the benefits of nursing are many. Some are instantly noticeable, like better sleeping, a stronger connection between mom and the baby and healthier weights. Some are a little more subtle. Check these benefits out:
- Breastfed children have better focus
- Breastfed children experience less pain
- Breastfeeding protects against celiac disease
- Breastfed children are less likely to be hospitalized for respiratory disease
- Breastfed children have better visual acuity
- Moms who breastfeed have lower rates of breast cancer
- Breastmilk has twice the antioxidants of formula
This particular study adds the 8th benefit of breastfeeding. Researchers found that exclusively breast fed infants had bone formation centers at the femoral head show up earlier than formula fed infants. This may likely translate to better bone health and lower risk of osteoporosis decades later.
