Breast milk is more than just food for your baby. It is an essential source of nutrition and protection but it is also an emotional bond that is created between you and your child. Let's discover together the many benefits of breast milk for your baby, as well as some tips to encourage and support breastfeeding.
Breast milk provides complete nutrition adapted to your child's development
Breast milk is specially designed to meet your baby's nutritional needs. It contains the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which evolves with your child's age to provide everything they need for healthy growth.
It has the ability to protect against diseases
Like a true natural medicine, breast milk is rich in antibodies, enzymes and immune cells that strengthen your baby's immune system and protect against illness and infection. Breastfed babies tend to have fewer respiratory infections, ear infections, gastroenteritis and autoimmune diseases.
Breast milk helps with cognitive and neurological development
Breast milk contains essential fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which plays a crucial role in the development of your baby's brain and nervous system. Studies have shown that breastfed children tend to have better cognitive and intellectual performance in the long term.
An emotional bond and comfort is created through breastfeeding
Breastfeeding promotes a close bond between mother and baby. Physical contact, looks, hugs and intimate moments during breastfeeding strengthen the emotional bond between you and your child. Plus, breast milk is always available, at the perfect temperature for baby, and meets your baby's comfort and security needs.
In addition, the smell of breast milk has been shown to act as a tranquilizer, calm a baby's crying and promote attachment. You can also discover the concept of Rainboobs , which manufactures, by hand, “pillow pillows, impregnated with breast milk to help baby fall asleep.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer in women
Many studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. It would also protect against osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
If this is your first time breastfeeding, know that you can prepare for it by taking classes or workshops specifically designed around breastfeeding. In this way, you will be able to acquire the knowledge so that these moments of life take place in the best possible conditions. In addition, these workshops often allow you to surround yourself with caring and encouraging people, such as health professionals, but also a whole bunch of future parents.
Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique. It is important to be kind to yourself and ask for help if necessary to fully enjoy this wonderful experience.