We've often been told that 'breast is best', and it's essential to take a moment to appreciate the numerous benefits that breastfeeding provides for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding offers a unique bond between mother and child, fostering emotional connection and security.

For babies, breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support healthy growth and development, boosting their immune system and reducing the risk of infections and diseases. Furthermore, breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and asthma in children. For mothers, breastfeeding can aid in postpartum recovery, promoting uterine contraction and aiding in weight loss. It also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and fosters a sense of empowerment and fulfillment in nurturing their child.

Truly, breastfeeding is a remarkable journey that benefits both mum and baby in countless ways

FOR BABY

Strengthened immune system

Breast milk contains a unique combination of nutrients that are essential to a child’s health. During feeding, a mother passes on her antibodies to her baby, which helps to build their immunity against infectious diseases and infection. Exclusive breastfeeding (no water, formula or solid food) for the first six months of a baby’s life seems to offer them the best defence.

Protection against long-term illnesses and allergies

Studies now show that breastfed babies are less likely to develop a range of illnesses as they grow up. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop a food allergy or asthma, and can have fewer dental cavities than those who are not breastfed. Child obesity has also been found to be higher in non-breastfed children, as breastfed babies are generally better at eating until they’re satisfied, leading to good eating habits, and formula-fed babies tend to gain weight more rapidly in their first weeks of life, which can be associated with obesity. Also, non-breastfed babies have been found to have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes, celiac disease and Chron’s disease later in life.

Exposure to different tastes

The taste of breast milk alters depending on what the mother eats, whereas the taste of formula remains consistent (click here for food tips for breastfeeding). Breastfeeding can make it easier for the baby to adapt to different tastes when they move onto solid food.  

Breast milk is safe

Since it’s coming directly from the breast, the milk is clean and always at the right temperature.

Natural bond between mum and baby

Babies have a great sense of smell and know the unique scent of their mum’s milk. Babies are also quite short-sighted, seeing clearest from 20-40cm – the same distance between the baby and mum’s face when breastfeeding. The use of these senses can help the baby to develop a strong connection with its mum. 

FOR MUMS

Weight reduction and post-delivery healing

It’s true, that breastfeeding does assist in weight reduction.  A woman burns calories as her body produces milk – this is why it’s so important to eat a balanced diet while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin in women, a hormone that helps the uterus to contract and return to its normal size more quickly (this process can take around six weeks, compared with around ten weeks for a non-breastfeeding mother).

Good mental health

It’s shown that breastfeeding can reduce a mum’s stress levels and lower the risk of postpartum depression.  The amount of consumed breast milk can’t be measured like a formula in a bottle, so mums learn to rely on instincts and their baby’s behaviour for information. This can help to develop a strong sense of connection with their baby.

Long-term health

Studies found that the longer women breastfeed, the less likely they are to develop breast, uterine, endometrial or ovarian cancer. Theories relate this health benefit to the body’s natural suppression of the production of oestrogen while breastfeeding, but there are no definite conclusions.

Easy and cost-effective

Breast milk requires no preparation! It’s a custom-made supply to meet the baby’s needs, which costs nothing. 

We acknowledge that not all mums can breastfeed their babies, due to individual conditions. We offer support by offering natural health alternatives. Yes, breast is best, but sadly it's not always possible.  For more information about breastfeeding, talk to your midwife, doctor, or the staff at Plunket.