Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both Mum & Baby

Breastfeeding is a crucial part of motherhood. The act of breastfeeding is not only nourishing for the baby but also nourishing for the soul as it fosters a strong bond between mother and child. Not only that, but breastfeeding has been shown to have a multitude of health benefits for both mother and baby.

However, that is not to say that every mother will choose to breastfeed. So before you make your decision to or not, find out what benefits breastfeeding has in store for both you and your little one.

Benefits for Mum

1. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight

Weight gain is a common concern for mothers who have just given birth. By breastfeeding, you will be burning more calories as compared to mothers who do not. Which may help in losing some weight.

2. Breastfeeding saves time and money

We can’t deny the inflated prices on baby products today. So, if you breastfeed, you would not need to buy formula for your infant. You would not need to prepare the powdered milk when it is feeding time. All you need is your body and a breast pump.

Benefits for Baby

1. Breastfeeding helps provide babies the ideal nutrition

When your body first starts producing breast milk, you will produce what is called “colostrum”. It plays a significant role in your baby’s development, particularly the immune system. The reason why experts recommend breastfeeding for at least 6 months is because breast milk is full of nutrients catered to a baby’s needs, almost quite literally liquid gold due to how precious it is.

2. Breastfeeding may help to reduce the risk of diseases in babies

When a baby is breastfed, there is a chance that he or she has a lower risk of falling sick and contracting diseases. Examples of illnesses and diseases that are potentially at bay thanks to breastfeeding are respiratory tract infections, colds, allergies, diabetes, and intestinal tissue damage.

Foods to Boost Milk Supply

Now that we know how beneficial it is for a mother to breastfeed her child, did you know that food increase breast milk? Yes, there are certain foods and ingredients that are galactagogues, a.k.a. foods that boost breast milk. Here are a couple of ingredients that you can add to your diet.

Ginger

Ginger is a root that is commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving immune function. Ginger is also a natural galactagogue, meaning that it can increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Studies have shown that ginger can increase milk volume and fat content, leading to improved weight gain in breastfed infants.

Fennel

Fennel is a herb that is commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It contains compounds called phytoestrogens that mimic the effects of estrogen, which can stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Not only that, it is also known to improve digestion and reduce colic in breastfed babies. Fennel increases breast milk volume and improves milk composition, leading to better infant growth and development.

Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as enzymes that aid in digestion. It is also known to improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers. Consuming papaya can increase milk production and improve the fat content of breast milk, which aids in the development of babies.

Garlic

Garlic is a potent herb that is commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine and has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting immune function. Garlic is said to improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers and enhance the flavour of breast milk, making it more appealing to babies.

Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve lactation. It is rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, and iron, which are essential for both mother and baby. Aside from that, moringa oleifera is also known to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which is highly beneficial to a baby’s health and growth.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a natural act between mother and child that brings benefits to both. Which is why maintaining a good flow and production of breast milk throughout your breastfeeding journey is ideal. So, you should have more food that increase breast milk, such as those mentioned.

But it is not always easy trying to incorporate new foods and ingredients to your meals, especially when you have an infant to take care of. So, why not try ReLacto where you can get delicious nourishment for lactation and recovery? With over 100 lactation-friendly and healing dishes, you won’t be disappointed by the ingredients and flavour. If dishes like Black Pepper Wagyu Beef and Fennel Seafood Soup sound good to you, then head on over for our comprehensive menu and packages for more details.