• About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Download App
  • Virtual Summit
  • Benefit Hub for Subscribers Only
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • News
  • Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Disability
  • Webinars
  • Podcast
Find/Post Jobs
  • Home
  • News
  • Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Disability
  • Webinars
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good
No Result
View All Result
Home Social Work

The Importance Of Breastfeeding: Physical, Mental and Financial Benefits

Melanie FleurybyMelanie Fleury
April 7, 2019
in Social Work
0
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on PinterestShare via EmailShare on Reddit

The arguments for and against breastfeeding have been raging for years, with compelling arguments being made for both sides. However, recent research has begun to show just how important breastfeeding is in a child’s development. Additionally, there are added benefits for the mother. Breastfeeding encourages a strong bond between a mother and child, and has been shown to have extended benefits even into a child’s later life, such as higher IQ scores, as well as a lower rate of childhood obesity and allergies. Essentially, the natural milk that you produce is a key element to your child’s well being.

Breast Is Best: The Benefits of Breastfeeding

babyAccording to WebMD.com, many medical bodies such as The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend breastfeeding for your child’s first six months. Given these weighty supporters, it may be hard to understand why a mother would not breastfeed. Every baby and mother is unique, and there may be circumstances that do not allow the mother to breastfeed her baby.

Getting your baby to start breastfeeding may also not be as easy as it looks. However, by using nursing pillows, a rocker and engaging in relaxing tactics for you and your child, breastfeeding can become a wonderful way to strengthen your bond as well as provide your baby the best nutrition possible.

1) Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your baby.

Even though formula has come a long way in recent years, breastfeeding provides your child with the essential balance of vitamins, protein, and fat. When you first start breastfeeding your child, the thick liquid that starts is called “first milk.” This helps your baby’s digestive tract get prepared to more easily digest milk — something that can’t be replicated with formula. Additionally, formula is often thought to be more difficult for your baby to digest.

2) Breastfeeding can help you to shed baby weight quicker.

In addition to your concerns about your child, chances are you’re probably also wondering how you’re going to shift that baby weight you’ve put on. Breastfeeding actually burns additional calories, making it a great way to get back into shape after your pregnancy. An added bonus is that breastfeeding can actually lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancer too.

3) Breastfeeding creates a strong bond between you and your baby.

The bond you form with your child is one that lasts a lifetime, and it starts from the moment you first hold them. Breastfeeding your baby with your own body can form an intense bond, as the skin to skin contact helps your child feel secure and safe. Set the scene with soft lighting and a nursing pillow to keep you and your baby comfortable. Rocking them also produces a feeling of calm afterwards.

4) Breastfeeding is the cheaper financial option.

If you add up the totals, breastfeeding is definitely the cheaper option when it comes to nourishing your baby. Depending on what you purchase, a nursing pillow, pads for your bra , etc., parents can spend around $1,500 a year on formula — an expense that’s not easily affordable for a new parent with lots of baby gear to purchase. Help to keep your breastfeeding costs low by looking into purchasing a gently used breast pump, or even borrow one from a friend who is no longer using theirs.

5) Breastfeeding keeps your baby healthy.

Ounce for ounce, breast milk is more nutritious than formula. However, did you know it can also protect your baby against illness and disease? Breast milk contains special antibodies that can help your child ward off viruses and bacteria that could harm them. Additionally, breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies, and generally make less trips to the doctor than their formula-fed counterparts.

6) Breastfeeding can set your child up for later life.

From higher IQ scores to a lower risk of childhood obesity, breast milk can set your child on a path for a great life. Though more research is required, it is currently thought that breastfeeding can even prevent certain cancers and diabetes in later life. According to the AAP, breastfeeding your child may also help to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Electing to feed your child through breastfeeding is the environmentally and financially sound option. Not only will it help to inspire closeness between you and your baby, it can also serve them well down the road as they grow. With all the benefits, it’s little wonder that more and more new mothers are turning to breastfeeding for their child’s optimal health. 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Being Black at the University of Michigan

Next Post

Dangers Of Alcohol Use In College

Melanie Fleury

Melanie Fleury

Armed with a degree in Psychology, Melanie Fleury entered into the workforce to change the world. As a foster mother of 5 boys, the world changed her. Now, as a freelance writer and blogger, she enjoys writing about issues that are close to her heart like family and children. She hopes that each article she writes finds an audience in need of the information that she provides.

Related Posts

Do District-Based Elections For School Board Help Minority Candidates Get Elected?
News

NASW Opposes Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exams

February 9, 2023
Journalist Turned Social Worker?
Opinion

Journalist Turned Social Worker?

January 24, 2023
Business

Technology and Entrepreneurship in Social Work

January 11, 2023
Morgan State University Professor Anthony Estreet to be next CEO of NASW
News

Morgan State University Professor Anthony Estreet to be next CEO of NASW

January 5, 2023
ABA Therapy Is the Gold Standard for Tennessee Children With Autism
Mental Health

ABA Therapy Is the Gold Standard for Tennessee Children With Autism

September 19, 2022
What is Family Psychoeducation Therapy?
Mental Health

What is Family Psychoeducation Therapy?

September 7, 2022
Next Post
Dangers Of Alcohol Use In College

Dangers Of Alcohol Use In College

You Blew The Whistle and Lost Your Job – What Should You Do Next?

You Blew The Whistle and Lost Your Job - What Should You Do Next?

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
What Can Be Done To Solve The Foster Care Crisis?

Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

June 24, 2022
What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

June 19, 2022
Want to Work With Children: 5 Skills and Qualities You Should Be Working On

Want to Work With Children: 5 Skills and Qualities You Should Be Working On

April 7, 2019

Connect With Us

Twitter
FlipboardInstagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good

  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Buy Merch
  • Download App
  • Terms of Service
https://youtu.be/jWzjyPoSjtw

© 2022 Social Work Helper, PBC

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • News
    • Culture
    • Technology
    • Politics
    • Criminal Justice
    • Social Work
    • Education
    • LGBTQ
    • Technology
    • Disability
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Webinars
  • Virtual Summit
  • Career Center
  • Download App
  • Subscriber Benefit Hub
  • Subscribe
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart

© 2022 Social Work Helper, PBC

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Go to mobile version