Lactation is when the mammary glands produce milk for a lactating mother to feed a young one. A mother needs to be familiar with why she needs to be breastfeeding her child and get consultations concerning lactation. Visit a lactation consultant in Madison, WI, at the Physicians for Women facility.
The physicians will guide you if you have questions about breastfeeding or lack knowledge on breastfeeding your child. Breastfeeding is very important for a child. There are many reasons why lactating mothers are advised to breastfeed their young ones. The following are the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child.
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Breastfeeding Provides the Infant With Important Antibodies
Breast milk contains important antibodies that will help the baby to fight off bacteria and viruses. The bacteria and viruses are very tender in these infants because their immune system is not very strong to fight them. The first milk produced by a lactating mother is colostrum containing large amounts of immunoglobulin (antibody).
Breastfeeding Reduces Depression Among Lactating Mothers
Mothers tend to be affected by postpartum depression, a type of depression developed shortly after work. Women who breastfeed rarely get affected by postpartum depression. The women that develop depression find difficulties in breastfeeding but do so after a while. It is important to visit a lactation consultant to get treated for such a condition.
Breastfeeding Provides Essential Nutrients for Babies
A lactation physician will recommend that you breastfeed your young one for at least six months. Breast milk contains all the ideal nutrients required by your baby in those six months. The breast contains colostrum the initial days after birth. Colostrum is a thick and yellowish fluid that is very high in protein, has beneficial compounds, and is low in sugar.
Breastfeeding Helps Your Uterus Contract
The uterus expands and grows large during pregnancy. The delivery returns to its normal size after giving birth through involution. Oxytocin is a hormone released during the pregnancy period that increases involution. Oxytocin increases during breastfeeding, which helps reduce the size of the uterus walls.
Breastfeeding Encourages Healthy Weight Levels for Your Baby
Infants have a standard weight in which they should be. Breast milk promotes healthy weight gain and prevents a child from getting obese. Breastfeeding a child four months more than the required period will reduce the chances of obesity in children.
Breastfeeding Reduces Disease Risk in Mothers
Women who breastfeed have very low chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer. You will also avoid getting arthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease by breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Saves Time and Money
Breastfeeding will save you a lot of trouble experienced by mothers who use breast pumps. There is no need to spend money on formulas or warm milk bottles each time you want to feed your child.
Visit a Lactation Consultant
Raising an infant can be difficult. You may not know how to breastfeed your child or how to take care of your health as a lactating mother. Visit a lactation consultant to get professional help.