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I’m a first-time mom, my daughter will soon be six months old, and I have been able to exclusively breastfeed her since she was born. My best friend is a Registered Nurse, and while I was pregnant, she promised me that I would try my best to exclusively breastfeed my little one. So I told her that I would definitely try, and she was pleased; she said that breast milk is the best thing for any baby. My Ob-Gyn also told me that breast milk benefits are countless.
I knew that breastfeeding was the best for a baby, but I didn’t realize how amazing and versatile it can be. So I decided to read up on it and found that breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients to facilitate babies’ physical and cognitive growth and development.
One of breast milk’s benefits includes: providing the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Breast milk is also very dynamic and changes a bit every day depending on what the mother has eaten, and it adjusts depending on the baby. The baby and mother’s bodies communicate through the baby’s saliva and the mother’s milk ducts. If the baby is ill, the mother’s mammary gland receptors detect that the baby is unwell and will increase the number of antibodies and white blood cells in the breast milk to help the baby fight the illness or infection.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding exclusively for at least 6 months has been linked to a decreased risk of the following illnesses:
- Developing some childhood cancers
- Lower respiratory illnesses
- Ear infections
- Stomach viruses
- Meningitis
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Development of Allergies
- Becoming Obese
Also, mothers who breastfed their babies for at least 6 months were less likely to develop Postpartum Depression. Moms who breastfeed for at least a year are also more likely to be protected against developing breast and ovarian cancer.
After doing my research, I knew that I definitely wanted to exclusively breastfeed. After having my daughter, the first few weeks were a bit difficult because of latch issues, but I finally got the hang of it after visiting with lactation consultants and nurses. Now almost 6 months into it, I can get a good latch with my eyes closed ( I will literally be sleeping sometimes, and I’ll still get her latched).
However, in these six months, there have been some bumps with my supply, but I have found some things that have helped maintain and even increase my supply.
- Carrots
- Oatmeal
- Fenugreek Capsules
- Organic Milkmaid Tea
- Cluster Feedings
- Power Pumping
- Milk with Turmeric
Breastfeeding is natural – but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider, a certified lactation consultant, or your local Le Leche League if you need help or support.
Let us know in the comments below how your breastfeeding experience was and if you experienced any issues with your supply, and how you dealt with it. Connect with us on Social Media to stay informed about more ways to Live Life Naturally, and make sure to comment below to share your thoughts with us about breast milk benefits.
