National Breastfeeding Week: Five benefits of breastfeeding

Five incredible benefits of breastfeeding

National Breastfeeding Week is celebrated each year in Canada during the first week of October. The global theme this year focuses on closing the gap in breastfeeding, and highlights the need to improve breastfeeding support to reduce inequalities that exist in our society.

This week, and every week, let’s celebrate and recognize breastfeeding as a practice that not only nourishes, but offers countless benefits to both breastfeeding parent and baby.

Here are five incredible benefits of breastfeeding:

Optimal nutrition
Breastmilk is the most optimal source of nutrition for most babies. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals uniquely tailored for your growing baby. And, as baby grows, the composition of your breastmilk will change to meet their changing nutritional requirements.

Immune-boosting
The specific properties and antibodies in breastmilk help provide immune protection for your little one, and can reduce the risk of certain illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections and asthma.

Benefits to breastfeeding parent
Breastfeeding produces the hormone oxytocin, that can help the uterus contract after delivery – reducing vaginal bleeding after delivery and promoting a quicker post-partum recovery. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Promotes parent-infant bonding
Together with skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding is a wonderful way to connect emotionally with your baby, and to comfort them.

Convenience
Breastfeeding your baby can be done almost anywhere, without having to worry about cleaning and disinfecting bottles, or preparing formula.

Understanding the benefits can help families decide whether breastfeeding is right for them.