Most mothers approaching their third trimester are often worried about breastfeeding and the pain associated with it. Breastfeeding is the perfect way to feed the baby and should be continued till the baby is six months old. Research has shown that breastfeeding is a complete nutritional food for the infant. It strengthens the bond between the mother and the child as during the process the mother holds and touches the baby, which assures the baby that he/she is safe, protected, and happy. Apart from strengthening relations, breastfeeding has numerous other benefits.
1. Softer and smoother skin for babies
On a comparative note, the skin of the breast fed babies is smooth and soft to touch. The babies who are formula fed can be identified easily with rough patches on their skin. A breastfed baby has a clear delineation of fat and the muscles. This is not the case with formula fed babies.
2. Immunity
Babies who are breast fed have a better developed immunity against infections. This can be attributed to the antibodies present in the breast milk. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of the child developing ear infections, lower respiratory tract infections and UTIs.
3. Baby smells better
Breast feeding makes the diaper changing task a lot easier. The breastfed baby passes stool several times a day. The poop of a breast fed infant has a reduced smell thus making the task a little easier to handle. Differentiation between a breastfed and formula fed baby can also be made on the basis of the smell of the poop. This in turn encourages the feeling of self respect in baby as he/she does not witness disgust on the face of the diaper changer.
4. Better visual development
Breastfed babies are known to have advanced visual development. The DHA present in the retina functions better when fed in a better way. Breast fed babies develop a better vision as compared to the slow development in formula fed infants.
5. Helps mothers to get back in shape
Another breastfeeding benefit, this time for the mother, is the ability to get back in shape sooner. Breastfeeding helps in shrinking the uterus. Also, the activity of breastfeeding which has to be undertaken several times a day can help burn around 500 calories. Thus, breastfeeding can help the mother regain the previous weight and get back her body shape with an exercise routine.
