Mothers and babies share a very special bond. This bond begins even before the baby takes his first breathe in the world. Those nine months in Mother’s womb make their relationship inexplicable, pregnancy being one of the most memorable phases of a woman’s life.

And after the baby begins its life, mother and her child’s bond strengthens by mother’s constant care, nurturing and attention towards her new-born. And breast-feeding plays a big role in strengthening this connection between mother and baby. It is like elixir to the baby. During breastfeeding, the mother releases Oxytocin hormone which is also called “bonding hormone” which helps during child birth and lactation that enhances maternal bonding and behavior.

Breastfeeding is imperative not only for emotional bonding, but it also has important benefits and effects on the health of baby as well as mother.

1. Breastfeeding protects a baby from a lot many diseases: Babies who have been breastfed gain higher immunity. They are more immune to diseases like stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, meningitis and certain child cancers too. The babies who are exclusively breastfed for 6 months tend to be safer.

2. Provides protection from developing allergies: Babies who have been breastfed are less allergic than those who are fed formula milk, cow milk or soy milk.

3. Helps in boosting child’s intelligence: Prolonged and exclusive breast feeding helps in improving the cognitive development.

4. Protects child from obesity: Breastfed children tend to be less obese in the later stages of life.This is because they tend to develop healthier eating patterns than formula-based or soy milk fed babies.

5. May lower a baby’s risk of SIDS: Researchers have found out that exclusive breast feeding at 1 month of age reduces the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to half.

6. It can reduce stress level and the risk of postpartum depression:It is seen that many women feel relaxed after breast feeding.

7. Reduces risk of some type of cancers in Mother: Studies have found that women who breast-feed have are less exposed to the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

More the breastfeeding, higher the advantages for both, mom and baby. But for working mothers, it is difficult to continue breastfeeding for a long time. Studies have shown that women who intend to breast-feed for at least three months but returned to work full-time were least likely to reach their breastfeeding goals. No such thing was found for part-time working mothers.

All the mummas out there, breast-feed your babies and improve your own and your baby’s health!

References:

1. Birthweight and breastfeeding have implications for children’s health decades later (Source : Washington University, St. Louis http://bit.ly/1udcd2V )

2. How does working part time versus working full time affect breastfeeding goals? ( Source: SAGE publications. http://bit.ly/Y7EwFa )