1. You'll feel far less crazy (we promise!)
- A study of new mamas found that those who breastfed their babies showed far less anxiety at one month postpartum than those who didn't. Here's why: Breastfeeding (plus skin-to-skin contact with baby) causes an increase in two key hormones - oxytocin and prolactin - which help lower your blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. This will lead to lower levels of anxiety, stress, and fatigue in new moms. What's more, a recent Australian study found that breastfeeding mamas actually spend more time in deeper levels of sleep than those who bottlefeed. (And as most moms know, a good night's sleep is a sanity saver in and of itself in those first few months with baby)
2. It lowers the risk of childhood cancers
- The immune-stimulating and increased antibody effects of breast milk have some amazing protective properties. In fact, formula-fed babies are eight times more likely to suffer from a childhood cancer than babies who are breastfed for longer than six months. What's more, a 1989 study showed that even babies who breastfed for just one month lowered their risks of developing one of the two major forms of childhood cancers - acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia - by 21 percent.
3. ...And breast cancer in mamas!
- According to research, if women who breastfed for less than three months were to stick it out for 4 to 12 months, breast cancer among premenopausal women could be reduced by 11 percent. And if they stayed with it for 24 months or longer, those risks could be cut by nearly 25 percent. How come? Believe it or not, no one's really sure. Some researchers feel that the engorgement caused by not breastfeeding actually changes the breast tissue, which is what increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
4. Smart kids rule
- Studies show that breastfed babies have significantly higher IQs in adulthood than babies who didn't breastfeed - even after adjusting the stats for differences between groups and mom's educational and social class. Although, some suggest that emotional, social, and attachment factors all affect these increased scores. Just look at the chemistry of breast milk: It has cholesterol, DHA, and other good fats that are known to insulate the nerve linings in the developing brain. In addition, breast milk boasts the special sugar galactose, which is known for being essential in brain tissue development.
5. You could save on braces
- The longer you breastfeed, the lower the likelihood that baby will suffer from malocclusion - a fancy word for misalignment of the teeth and dental arches. The sucking action baby makes when transferring the milk from the breast into his mouth is a natural motion that promotes proper oral development (i.e., well-formed teeth and jaws). Translation: Breastfeeding baby could mean fewer trips to the dentist are in your future (or at least lower dental bills!)
6. It cuts down on childhood obesity
- Breastfeeding has long been tied with reducing the rate of childhood obesity, regardless of mom's diabetes or weight status. The connection? Docs peg this on the vast differences in the amount and kinds of fat found in breast milk as opposed to formula. Plus, a breastfed baby is in full control of the rate -- and perhaps more importantly - the volume of his feedings, as well as their consumption of calories. This self-regulation is key for baby to learn early in life and is what contributes to the self-regulation needed later on to control their own weight.
7. It cuts down on allergies and other ailments
- Asthma, influenza, diarrhea, allergies, and eczema are all way less common in breastfed babies. And you can thank those glorious breast milk antibodies again for that, which act to protect baby against all respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. Breastfeeding your baby for a minimum of six months also delays the introduction of potentially allergenic foods, such as cow milk and soy protein.
8. It saves lives - and government money!
- Get this: A 2010 study found that if just 90 percent of US mamas breastfed exclusively for six months, an estimated 900 babies (who would otherwise die of preventable diseases) would live. What's more, economists estimate the United States would save somewhere in the ballpark of $13 billion per year on healthcare costs. Yep, $13 BILLION. (Ok..ni di US!~)
9. Did we mention it's free?
- Government savings aside, breastfeeding your baby can't help but save you big time too. In fact, formula supplies can cost close to a whopping $2,000 - for just the first six months. Plus, the money you save on formula could be spent on other things that burn a hole in your pocket - like all those diapers you'll be changing.
10. You'll fit into your skinny jeans faster.
- Listen-up mamas: Just the simple act of producing breast milk will burn you an average of 500 calories a day. That's about two to three hours of walking at a normal pace. So if you've ever secretly wished there was a workout that could be achieved without moving a muscle, consider this the answer to your prayers. Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size, which helps your tummy regain its shape faster. Moms who breastfeed exclusively tend to lose more weight, have a lower body fat percentage, and (bonus!) have slimmer hips after baby comes.
#http://www.thebump.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment