Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is an integral part of human life and is the distinguishing feature of being a mammal. While some of us know that breastfeeding is important for infants; there are many benefits of lactation to both the infant and the mother.
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include:
- Reduced postpartum hypertension
- Reduced postpartum blood glucose levels
- Reduced LDL cholesterol levels
- Decreased risk of coronary artery disease in later life
- Decreased risk of certain cancers in later life – including ovarian and breast cancer
- Reduced risk of macular degeneration
- Improved bone health and density
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
- And many more benefits
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant include:
- Decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes in later life
- Decreased risk of adolescent and adult obesity
- Improved cardip-respiratory fitness in later life
- Reduced risk of asthma
- Lower incidence of endometriosis in adult life
- And many more benefits
As health practitioners it is our job to encourage a healthy lactation and aid women on their breastfeeding journey. If you have any questions regarding your lactation experience or are struggling to maintain breastfeeding please seek advice from your health practitioner as to how we can build a network of support to facilitate a healthy lactation for you and your baby.
Always remember there are several reasons why a mother/infant team may be unable to breastfeed so we believe a fed baby is a happy baby and you and your child’s wellbeing are our top priority.
