Breastfeeding a baby is much more than an ancient practice; it is an act of love and care with profound positive repercussions for the health and well-being of both the infant and the mother. From the first skin-to-skin contact to the first drops of breast milk, breastfeeding provides an unparalleled source of nutrition, strengthening the baby’s immune system and establishing a deep emotional bond between mother and child. In addition to its nutritional and emotional benefits, breastfeeding promotes healthy infant development and facilitates faster postpartum recovery for the mother. In essence, breastfeeding not only nourishes the baby in its first crucial months of life, but also lays the foundation for a healthier and more balanced life, marking the beginning of a cycle of wellness that will last a lifetime.
Becoming a parent of a baby is a complex and emotionally intense experience, full of doubts and concerns. Parents and babies discover and grow together through their interactions, and the relationship they establish profoundly influences the development of both. Although infants depend on their caregivers for their survival, shared experiences have a significant impact on their growth and personality formation. In this article, we will explore one of the earliest forms of interaction: feeding. We will examine both breastfeeding and formula feeding, and how each affects the parent-child bond. In addition, we will reflect on how breastfeeding influences the emotional development of the baby and the mental health of mothers.
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
Decreases the risk of breast cancer
Breastfeeding provides beneficial strains of bacteria to the baby, but the mother also receives the benefit of benign bacteria passing through the breast duct passages, which may help reduce the risk of cancer. While milk is being produced, structural changes in the breast tissue limit the ability of breast cells to undergo mutations, thus limiting the risk of breast cancer. As an added benefit, breastfeeding suppresses the amount of estrogen the body produces. High estrogen levels can increase the risk of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, high estrogen levels over a long period of time can also cause endometrial cancer. Breastfeeding mothers who are very receptive to following a healthy diet improve their own health and well-being simply by breastfeeding their children.
Decreases stress
You’ve probably heard that short- and long-term stress can affect your body. Stress has many adverse effects, which include frequent illnesses, sleep problems, stomach problems, headaches and mental health problems. However, breastfeeding can help mothers relax and better manage stress. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby has a calming effect.
Prevents postpartum depression (PPD)
Oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, promotes nurturing and relaxation, which can help combat postpartum depression, especially when there is a history of anxiety or depression during pregnancy.
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes:
Breastfeeding improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, significantly reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes.
Decreases the risk of ovarian cancer
Women who breastfeed for more than 13 months have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding delays ovulation, which decreases the likelihood of cell mutations that can cause ovarian cancer.
Promotes a healthy lifestyle
Breastfeeding promotes healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and adequate hydration. It may also require vitamin supplements, so it is advisable to consult a physician to ensure optimal wellness during this period.
Benefits for the baby
Infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life have a significantly lower risk of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, flu, colds, ear and chest infections, and thrush. In addition, they are half as likely to suffer from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) compared to formula-fed infants. Although breastfed babies can also get sick, breastfeeding during illness provides additional benefits: breast milk increases their content of specific antibodies, which can speed the baby’s recovery. Breastfeeding not only offers immune protection, but also calms and relaxes the baby, reducing crying and relieving discomfort during illness and vaccinations.
During the first six months of life, a baby’s brain undergoes rapid growth, almost doubling in mass. A study in the United States revealed that infants who received only breast milk for at least three months had 20-30% more white matter in the brain, which is crucial for connecting and transmitting signals between different brain regions, compared to those who were not breastfed.
Breastfeeding offers lasting benefits beyond the first six months. The release of oxytocin during each feeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and may help the child better handle stress in the future. In addition, studies suggest that breastfed children have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and tend to have better vision and more aligned teeth. Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of obesity and type 1 and 2 diabetes in adulthood.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, so that both mother and baby can get all possible benefits.
How long is breastfeeding recommended?
While it is true that the recommendation we always read is up to 6 months, many people breastfeed a little longer than that and it’s completely fine! There is no set time for this journey, there are babies who breastfeed until 3 years, as there are babies who themselves leave it before, even mothers who decide to leave it earlier for work, health or simply for a completely fair decision to their lifestyle and it’s okay! you should not feel bad about the decision you make, it’s your body, is your connection with your baby and everything you do always has to be for the happiness and dynamics of the family.