Thinking about how to feed your little one? Let’s chat about the incredible benefits of breastmilk, whether you’re planning to breastfeed directly or exclusively pump. Both options provide your baby with liquid gold, and I’m here to break down why it’s so amazing for your baby, you, and even the environment.
Benefits of Breastmilk Feeding for Baby
Feeding your baby breastmilk, whether directly from your breast or through exclusively pumping, is one of the best things you can do to give your little one a strong start in life. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Perfect Nutrition: your breastmilk is specifically tailored to your baby’s needs, changing in composition as baby grows.
- Immune System Boost: breastmilk is packed with antibodies that help protect your little one infections and illness.
- Easier to Digest: breastmilk is gentler on your baby’s tummy than formula, which can help reduce issues like constipation and diarrhoea.
- Brain Development: breastmilk contains essential fatty acids that support baby’s brain growth and development.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies: breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies and asthma.
- Better Sleep Patterns: the hormones in breastmilk can help regulate your baby’s sleep-wake cycle.
- Bonding: whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding pumped milk, it’s a great opportunity for skin-to-skin contact and bonding.
Why Breastmilk Feeding is Good for Mother
Choosing to breastfeed or exclusively pump isn’t beneficial for your baby. It has a whole host of benefits for you too! Here’s how it helps you as a mom:
- Faster Postpartum Recovery: breastfeeding or pumping helps your uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
- Weight Loss: it can help you burn extra calories, making it easier to shed pregnancy weight.
- Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: breastfeeding has been linked to lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Natural Birth Control: exclusive breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control (though not foolproof).
- Cost-effective: breastmilk is free, saving you money on formula.
- Convenience: no need to sterilise bottles (unless you’re exclusively pumping) or mix formula in the middle of the night.
- Hormonal Benefits: breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which can help reduce postpartum depression and anxiety.
Why Breastmilk Feeding is Good for the Environment
On top of being a fantastic choice for you and your baby, feeding your little one breastmilk is also an environmentally friendly option. Here’s why:
- Zero Waste: unlike formula, breastmilk doesn’t require packaging that ends up in landfills.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: no energy used in manufacturing, packaging, or transporting breastmilk, unlike with formula.
- Sustainable Packaging: pumping and storing breastmilk might require use of bottles or storage bags, but these are reusable and recyclable, unlike the single-use packaging of formula.
Breastfeeding Vs Exclusively Pumping: Both are Great Choices!
Whether you choose to breastfeed directly or exclusively pump, you’re still giving your baby the incredible benefits of breastmilk. Here are a few things to keep in mind about both options:
- Breastfeeding: if you prefer direct feeding, breastfeeding can be a convenient and comforting way to bond with your baby. It requires no extra equipment and offers flexibility in feeding on demand.
- Exclusively Pumping: if breastfeeding isn’t an option or you need more flexibility (like going back to work), pumping is a great alternative. You can still give your baby all the benefits of breastmilk, but it allows others to help with feeding as well.
Tips for a Successful Breastmilk Feeding Journey
Whether you’re breastfeeding directly or exclusively pumping, here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to keep your milk supply strong and healthy.
- Invest in a Good Breast Pump: if you’re exclusively pumping, invest in a high-quality breast pump to make the process more efficient and comfortable.
- Create a Routine: establish a feeding or pumping schedule that works for you and your baby. Consistency helps maintain milk supply.
- Seek Support: whether it’s a lactation consultant, family member, or fellow mom, having support can make a big difference in your breastmilk feeding journey.
- Be Kind to Yourself: breastfeeding and pumping can be challenging. Remember, it’s okay to have ups and downs, so celebrate your efforts!
Feeding your baby breastmilk, whether through breastfeeding or exclusively pumping is one of the best gifts you can give your little one. It’s packed with nutrients, promotes your own health, and even helps protect the environment.
But remember, fed is best. If breastmilk feeding isn’t working out for you for any reason, that’s okay too. Just do what’s best for you and your baby.
[Related Post: Delayed Milk Supply: Why New Mamas Shouldn’t Worry]
