The Health Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Are you expecting a baby and deciding whether to formula-feed or breastfeed? The team at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC shares just three benefits of breastfeeding to help you decide.

It’s Healthier for Your Baby

Breastfeeding provides many benefits, but one of the top is the protection it provides your baby. When your little one is born, they are exposed to all types of things that could make them ill or worse. And their new little bodies haven’t quite become strong enough to fight them. 

Breastfeeding allows mothers to protect their babies by sharing antibodies that the mom has developed. This strengthens the little one’s immune system to fight against things like respiratory infections, bacterial meningitis, ear infections, SIDS, and much more, meaning fewer sick visits to see our team at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC. 

Additionally, breast milk has been linked to a reduction in the risk of childhood obesity, asthma, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, and other issues that can follow a child throughout their life.

It’s Healthier for Mom, Too 

Breastfeeding is a natural process, so it kickstarts certain processes that a mom needs to heal from delivery. For instance, it stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions in the uterus. These contractions help the uterus heal and reduce in size more quickly. 

Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk of moms developing cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and more. Therefore, it not only protects your little one but also helps keep you healthy so you can enjoy motherhood – even when they’re grown and moved out of your home. 

It’s Natural 

Breast milk is natural and comes packed with healthy amounts of the right components, including proteins, white blood cells, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Not only does provide what your baby needs but it does so in a way that is easy for your baby to digest. This helps protect your baby from unnecessary digestive issues and promotes a healthy weight. 

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding? Call (919) 787-0266 to speak to our team at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC.