Huge benefits of breastfeeding

Babies are born with a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk from their mothers' breast. Considering that this is one of the few abilities we are born with, we can see this as a signal from nature, about how important it is to breastfeed our kids.

New and expecting mothers need to be fully educated on this topic. It is concerning to see that there really is no debate when it comes to breast vs. bottle. In fact, formula is not and will never be even close to breastmilk.

We have talked to many specialists and read a lot of books, to finally find that there are amazing benefits in breastfeeding, not only for the babym but also for the mom:

Breastfeeding helps prevent infection: On average, breast fed babies have fewer infections in their early life. In particular they have less: diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections, and ear infections compared to babies who don't receive breast milk. The main reason for this is that antibodies and other proteins are passed in the breast milk from mother to baby. These help to protect them against infection.

Long-term health for the baby: According to the doctors, there is some evidence that children who are breast fed are less likely to be obese when they are grown up. There is also growing evidence that kids who are breast fed are less likely to develop diabetes and heart disease in later life.

Psychological benefits: Over the last 15 years, the developing field of psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated repeatedly that an individual's psychological state has a direct effect on his or her immune function. Perhaps the nursing experience by itself does directly improve the immune status of our babies.

Immunoglobulins: It is true taht all types of immunoglobulins are found in human milk. The highest concentration is found in colostrum, the pre-milk that is only available from the breast the first three to six days of the baby's life. Secretory IGA, a type of immunoglobulin that protects the ears, nose, throat, and the GI tract, is found in high amounts in breast milk throughout the first year. Secretory IGA does its work before it is digested in the stomach. In fact, secretory IGA attaches to the lining of the nose, mouth, and throat and fights the attachment of specific infecting agents. Breast milk levels of IGA against specific viruses increase in response to a maternal exposure to these organisms. Human milk has been called environmentally specific milk -- the mother provides it for her baby to protect specifically against the organisms that her kid is really most likely to be exposed to.

Mom's health assured: It has being tested that you are less likely to develop cancer of the breast if you breast feed your children. Another benefit for some mothers is that it is easier to lose weight after giving birth if you are breastfeeding.

Prevent allergies: As we know, the cows' milk protein used in most formulas is a foreign protein. When babies are exposed to non-human milk, they actually develop antibodies to the foreign protein. Research has shown that without exception the important food allergens found in milk and soybean formulas are stable to digestion in the stomach for as long as 60 minutes (as compared to human milk protein which is digested in the stomach within 15 minutes). Indeed, the foreign proteins pass through the stomach and reach the intestines intact, where they gain access and can produce sensitization. Even though research in this area is still relatively new, we can say that this early exposure to foreign proteins may be the predisposing factor in such illnesses as eczema and asthma.

DHA & ARA: As some of you know, the main long-chain fatty acids found in human milk are now present in some, but not all formulas in the United States and abroad. These lipids are important structural components, particularly in the substance of the brain and the retina. Significantly different amounts of these ingredients have been found in the brains and retinas of breast-fed versus formula-fed infants. This difference may have other subtle effects on the cell membrane integrity in other parts of the organism as well.

Prevent celiac disease: A recent research of the association between breastfeeding and celiac disease concluded that breast feeding while introducing gluten to the diet reduced the risk of CD. The study was unable to determine if breastfeeding merely delayed symptoms or offerred life-long protection, but it really helps.

No obesity: Breastfeeding appears to dramaticaly reduce the risk of extreme obesity in children aged 39 to 42 months. The protective effect of breastfeeding against obesity is consistent, though small, across many researches, and appears to increase with the duration of breastfeeding.

As you can see, it is absolutely true: breastfeeding youir baby is the right option if you want to give him a healthy childhood, and a healthier life.