A Breastfeeding Diet to Ensure a Happy and Healthy Baby

Nature provided all animals (humans included) with the means of
feeding offspring. Human breast milk is the healthiest and most
natural way to feed a baby. The human body was designed to produce a
healthy milk that provides a baby with just the right nutrients,
nourishment, and nurturing needed for proper development. Scientists
have not been able to develop a formula to match all the benefits of
breast milk, though they have come up with many different artificial
formulas.Experts agree that there is tremendous value in breastfeeding
for both babies and mothers. They recognize that breastfeeding is far
superior to artificial formulas.Some of the benefits for BABIES
include:Better immune healthAntibodies from the mother pass to the
baby during breastfeeding. This is one of the most important features
of colostrum, the first production of breast milk for newborns.Fewer
infectionsScientific studies have shown that a longer period of
breastfeeding was associated with a shorter duration of some middle
ear infections, reduced symptoms of upper respiratory infections, less
gastrointestinal problems, and reduced risk for severe lower
respiratory infections.Protection from SIDSBreastfed babies have
better arousal from sleep at 2-3 months, which coincides with the peak
time for sudden infant death syndrome.Higher IntelligenceResearch
studies show that breastfed children have higher IQ scores than those
who weren't breastfed. The studies also show that babies who were
breastfed for more than 8 months had significantly higher IQ scores
than those babies who were breastfed for shorter lengths of time.Less
diabetesInfants that are breastfed exclusively, have less chance of
developing diabetes than infants with early exposure to cow milk and
solid food.Less childhood obesityLess tendency toward developing
allergy related diseasesStudies have shown that breastfeeding protects
a child from allergies, asthma, and respiratory diseases.Proper
development of eye functionsBecause breastfeeding requires a baby to
eat from both sides, their eyes can develop equally. Many people who
bottle feed a baby tend to use the same arm to hold the baby because
it is comfortable.Some of the benefits for MOTHERS include:Cost
effectiveBreastfeeding is a cost effective way of feeding an infant,
providing the proper nourishment for the baby.BondingMothers can bond
easily with their infant during breastfeeding. Hormones released
during breastfeeding help to strengthen the maternal bond that is so
important for the relationship of mother and child.Hormone
releaseBreastfeeding releases hormones called oxytocin and prolactin,
that relax the mother and make her feel more nurturing toward her
baby.Weight lossAlthough weight loss varies among lactating women,
breastfeeding actually helps rid the body of the fat accumulated
during pregnancy. This fat is used to produce milk, which then helps
mothers lose weight.Reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and
endometrial cancerReduced risk of postpartum bleedingLower risk of
coronary heart diseaseA 2009 study showed that breastfeeding for at
least 2 years lowers the risk of coronary heart disease by 23%.Less
insulin required for breastfeeding diabetic mothers