The Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Newborn

There are multiple benefits to breastfeeding or nursing your newborn. Many benefits are health-related for both mother and child, but there are emotional benefits, as well. One emotional advantage to breastfeeding is that it provides an excellent opportunity for a mother and child to bond with one another every time the baby nurses. Read below to learn the benefits of breastfeeding in greater detail, and call the doctors at Surfside Pediatrics in Ventura, CA for more information.

Benefits

There are many health advantages to breastfeeding babies. For maximum health benefits, the general recommendation is to breastfeed your newborn for at least six months, if possible. One breastfeeding benefit for mothers is that it helps burn calories. It also helps the uterus shrink back to its original pre-pregnancy size. Both of these benefits—burning calories and shrinking the uterus—can help mothers more easily lose weight.

Another benefit of breastfeeding that helps both mothers and babies is the prevention of both diabetes and cancer. Some studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing either condition for both mother and child. Other benefits of breastfeeding are especially important for babies and including how:

• Breastmilk is easily digested by newborns
• Breastfeeding provides babies with the perfect balance of nutrients
• Breastmilk provides important antibodies for preventing infection and disease
• Breastfeeding helps babies bond with their mothers

Although breastfeeding has a plethora of positive effects, it does not always go smoothly for every mother and baby. Some babies have a difficult time latching on to the breast, which can make breastfeeding challenging. Breastfeeding can also be physically uncomfortable for the mother at times, especially when the baby does not latch on properly. Additionally, some mothers can experience difficulties in producing enough milk for the child. Fortunately, doctors, nurses, and lactation coaches can all help mothers and babies overcome different breastfeeding challenges.

Call our Ventura Office Today!

Breastfeeding offers multiple benefits to both mothers and babies. For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician by calling Surfside Pediatrics in Ventura, CA at (805) 643-7500.