There are two alternatives that a mother can opt for when it comes to feeding their babies. One is formula feeding, which involves introducing your infant to commercially prepared formulas that contain some nutrients and vitamins such as probiotics for babies. The other alternative is breastfeeding. It is the number one nursing approach recommended by doctors since the milk has multiple benefits to your baby and the process itself has some convenience.
Benefits of Breastfeeding a Toddler
Other than having direct access to natural milk, the benefits of breastfeeding include:
Fighting Infections and Preventing Additional Conditions
One of the essential impacts of breastfeeding is that its milk has disease-fighting organisms, and antibodies passed from the mom to the infant. They are responsible for strengthening the baby’s immunity system and reducing risks of ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea, meningitis, asthma, diabetes, SIDS, obesity, and allergies (which we will tackle later in the article).
Provision of Nutrition Value and Comfortable Digestion
Also referred to as the ultimate kid’s diet, breast milk is packed with multiple nutrients that ensure the baby is in perfect health. From the whey in the milk to the vitamins, the baby can grow correctly as the breast milk is a balanced diet. Besides, among the extended breastfeeding benefits is the fact that there will be ease of digestion when a baby breastfeeds.
It’s Free
Unlike rushing to the stores and getting your usual amount of formula feeding for the baby, breastfeeding is free. All you have to do is to sit the baby in a comfortable position and let him/her have dinner.
Multiple Flavors and Tastes
It’s Convenient
When a mum finds herself in a sticky situation where feeding the baby is urgent, breastfeeding is the best call. A child might be crying or feeling uncomfortable, and breastfeeding is best since you don’t have to force the feeding bottle on him.
Physical Contact to the Mum
Inclusive of the benefits of breastfeeding by month is that the baby develops a special bond with the mother due to physical contact. The scent, touch, and presence of the mother are more familiar to the baby who breastfeeds.
Positive Mental Impact on the Mom
The whole process of breastfeeding your child, to a mother, it’s a sort of achievement. Being able to satisfy the baby’s needs enables the mom to develop some confidence and a positive attitude towards raising a child.
Challenges of Breastfeeding
Benefits of breastfeeding include all excluding:
Discomfort
Some mums will take some time to get the hang of things in matters breastfeeding. It can be the position to sit or place the baby, being denied the luxury of spending alone time and unwinding, or generally having to cope with work and all. With some adjustments here and there, she’ll adapt to the changes.
Feeding Schedules
Getting a proper schedule to feed your baby and also balance it with your everyday life schedule can be a significant challenge. The breastfeeding benefits timeline is critical, and you have to monitor your baby to know which particular time she/he will need to be fed and try to make time for that.
Diet Observation
There is a lot to consider when it comes to what you can consume during breastfeeding. The primary consideration is that what you eat will be included in the milk that your baby will feed. You’ll have to lay back some habits such as enjoying wine after a long day or several coffee cups.
Medical Conditions
Mums with specific health conditions such as HIV/AIDS or breast cancer have limited breastfeeding options since it might affect the baby.
Breastfeeding vs. Allergies
Allergies are the reactions of your immune system when you consume a particular substance. One baby’s allergy can be a complete comfort to another baby. It is a hassle to know the kind of allergy that your baby has since it requires close observation. Allergies develop when you consume foods or come into contact with substances believed to be harmful by your body. These allergens include airborne (dust, pets, and molds), food (eggs, cow’s milk, nuts, fish, wheat, and soy), and others (medicine, insect, and chemical).
The common allergy symptoms that you can read include sneezing, wheezing, coughing, stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, itchy and watery eyes, and nose. Self-diagnosis applies to realize what the symptoms are. However, it would be best if you visited the doctor as soon as possible to know what the root cause of the allergy is. The fenugreek benefits for breastfeeding are that the plant provides multiple nutrients that boost breast milk supply. The impact will help the child feed more with breast milk packed with numerous nutrients to help out with the allergy.
Conclusion
There are multiple reasons why you should opt for breastfeeding your baby, especially if you don’t have any underlying health conditions. You should not compromise your baby’s health simply because you have a tight schedule or something. Consider the breastfeeding 3-year-old benefits that will push you to adapt to the method early enough.
Do you prefer breastfeeding? Why? Leave a comment.
Author’s bio:
Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
