Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Discover the benefits that breastfeeding has for both moms and babies.

Are you currently deciding whether or not to breastfeed your little one? While we know that this is a very personal choice that only you can Babymake, our Houston pediatricians, Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj, can help you weigh out the pros and cons of breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding. Read on to learn some of the benefits that both you and your baby will enjoy if you do decide breastfeeding is the right decision, and if you have more questions, give our Houston office a call!

 

Benefits to Your Baby

Contained within breast milk are enzymes and antibodies that help your little one stay healthy through a variety of ways, including:

 

Possibly reducing the risk for obesity

Some studies suggest that children that are breastfed are less likely to become overweight or obese as compared to children that aren't breastfed. While medical experts aren’t entirely sure why this is, some theories believe that the amount of protein that is consumed by formula-fed newborns is higher than in breastfed infants, which can lead to an increase in body weight.

 

Protecting again viruses, ear infections, and gastroenteritis

As we mentioned before, breast milk contains a lot of important antibodies and nutrients necessary to protect your little one’s developing immune system and to ward away infection. In fact, some research has found that children that have been formula-fed are more likely to be at risk for chronic infections such as metabolic disorders. Children who are formula fed are also five times more likely to be hospitalized in infancy than children who are breastfed.

 

Reducing bouts of diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain

Breast milk contains everything your little one needs to develop and remain healthy; therefore, it comes as no surprise that breast milk will be easier on your baby’s stomach and digestive tract than formula may be.

 

Protecting against allergies

Again, the proteins found in breast milk are safe and natural for your little one; however, some of the protein found in other kinds of milk or formula could cause an allergic reaction in some infants.

 

Benefits to You (the Mom!)

That’s right, your little one isn’t the only one reaping the benefits of breastfeeding. Here are some of the perks you’ll enjoy too,

  • A lowered risk for ovarian and breast cancers
  • Accelerated loss of pregnancy weight
  • Aid in shrinking the uterus back to its normal size
  • A lowered risk for osteoporosis
  • An increased bond with your baby

 

Give us a call!

Do you have questions about breastfeeding or are experiencing difficulty nursing? We know it isn’t always easy, which is why our pediatric team at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston is here to help! Call us at (713) 861-4800 to ask any questions and schedule a consultation!

Peekaboo Pediatrics

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed