4 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Baby

Since the dawn of humankind, mothers have breastfed their babies to give them the nutrients they need to grow and develop. While bottle feeding might make more sense in some circumstances, humans have long relied on breastfeeding as a species for important reasons.

If you’re considering breastfeeding your baby or need help with breastfeeding, compassionate women’s health provider Asia Mohsin, MD, is here to help.

From initial pregnancy testing onward, she helps new mothers navigate life with a new baby or an impending arrival at Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN in Friendswood, Texas.

You can learn about breastfeeding during an in-person visit or with convenient telemedicine. In the meantime, here are four ways breastfeeding benefits your baby.

Calming your baby

All babies cry from time to time. In early infancy, it’s one of the main ways they communicate. Thanks to skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding your baby is a simple way to calm them and help them feel safe. Some of the nutrients in breast milk naturally soothe your baby.

Interestingly, breastfeeding isn’t only calming to babies. Mothers can feel relaxed and tranquil while breastfeeding thanks to a hormone called oxytocin that’s released during breastfeeding. This hormone is responsible for helping you bond with your baby.

1. Protecting your baby against diseases

Breastmilk sets up your child’s immune system to fight certain infections and illnesses. Thanks to breastfeeding, your baby has a lower risk of developing:

Ear infections
Pneumonia
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Bacterial meningitis
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Childhood obesity
Childhood leukemia

On average, breastfed babies need fewer doctor’s visits and are hospitalized less often than babies who aren’t.

2. Giving your baby the necessary nutrients

Breast milk isn’t just fortified with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals: Its composition changes as your baby grows to accommodate their needs at each stage of early development.

Your breast milk contains:

Carbohydrates to balance your baby’s gut bacteria
Fats to help your baby’s brain develop
Proteins to keep your baby full and protect them from infections
White blood cells for immunity
Vitamins to support growth

Breast milk is also easy for your baby’s immature digestive system to process, so they’re less likely to vomit or have diarrhea.

3. Boosting your baby’s brain

The fats in breast milk help support a baby’s brain and nervous system, leading to timely behavioral development. Some studies suggest that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores later in life, but more research is needed to confirm this.

4. Get in touch

If you have questions about family planning, infant care, or breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN or request an appointment online today.