After your fertility treatments are successful and you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to start planning your birth plan and your parenting methods. A part of this planning includes the decision of whether or not you will breastfeed your newborn baby. Read about these breastfeeding benefits.
Why Should I Breastfeed?
Importance of breastfeeding for newborns
Breastfeeding not only provides basic nutrition to newborn babies, but also all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs during the first six months. Inside a mother’s breast milk are disease-fighting substances that protect the newborn baby from illnesses, such as stomach viruses, respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis. Studies show these illnesses occur less often in breastfed babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends new mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, but, any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial to the baby.
Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is present in large amounts of colostrum, the initial milk your body produces. This material guards against germs by creating a protective layer in the mucus membranes of the baby’s throat, intestines, and nose. IgA is able to sense the threats you’re exposed to and protect your baby based on that exposure.
In addition to these breastfeeding benefits, breastfeeding can also help lower the risk of type 1 and 2 diabetes, protect your child against allergies, and even boost your child’s intelligence.
Breastfeeding benefits for Mom
Breastfeeding not only provides benefits for the baby but for Mommy, too. Studies show women who did not breastfeed, or those who stopped breastfeeding early, had a higher risk of postpartum depression. The act of breastfeeding can be a relaxing activity. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a chemical that promotes nurturing and relaxation.
When you’re breastfeeding, you are bonding with your new baby, which is great for your new relationship. It can also reduce risk of certain cancers Researchers have found that women who breastfed more had more protection against breast and ovarian cancers.
Learn More at The Fertility Center
At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we are not only reproductive specialists but educators of reproductive medicine. When you visit, ask us all the questions you have about the fertility treatments, and explore the many resources on our website.
