Benefits of Breastfeeding

Chances are, if you’re looking into breastmilk jewelry you’re probably expecting a baby, have a baby, or are close to someone who is. Most of us know that one of the most taxing and fulfilling parts of becoming a mother is nourishing the child.

Let us state up front that we have no bias against formula feeding, in fact Tree of Life Founder Holly Lara struggled with low supply with her first child, and ended up using formula for her. Manufactured formulas and alternative milks are not necessarily bad for your baby because they still provide important nutrients, but it just isn’t the complete mother’s milk that only you can provide.

We understand this topic can be triggering for mothers who are struggling with supply or unable to breastfeed for a myriad of reasons, and want to make sure you feel no shame about this. You are doing your best for your baby, and that’s what matters most! Tree of Life has produced jewelry for clients whose breastfeeding journey was cut short for whatever reason, and feel that any length of time a mother can breastfeed is something to celebrate. That can

But for the sake of sharing information, there are so many benefits to breastfeeding that are beyond the obvious nutrition and emotional bonding, so let us milk the topic a bit, shall we?

Benefits For Baby

Breast milk is usually more easily digested than formula, Some studies have shown that some breastfed babies have better sleep patterns, which means better sleep for their moms too!

Breastfeeding protects your baby from infections and diseases, decreases allergies, and may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the first year of a baby’s life, according to Web MD.

Breast milk is the only natural food designed exclusively for your baby, providing the exact nutrients he or she needs. Breast milk is always the right temperature. It makes travel easier (we highly recommend nursing on takeoff and landing when traveling by plane with your infant!) It is available whenever and wherever your baby needs to be fed.

It can also benefit your child down the line. Breastfeeding promotes more skin-to-skin contact, more holding and stroking, and can build a strong physical and emotional bond between you and your baby. It has been proven that children who have a secure attachment with their mothers tend to be more independent than children who were not breastfed or stopped being breastfed too early. Breast milk may also raise your child’s intelligence; studies show breastfed babies have higher levels of cognitive function.

Breastfeeding may even help your child in later years by reducing the risk of being overweight or developing asthma, allergies, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and lymphoma, according to Web MD.

Benefits For the Mother

Breastfeeding is good for moms, too! Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer. There is a link that is being studied between breastfeeding and delayed menopause.

Breastfeeding can cause “mini contractions” that will help reduce the size of the uterus during the postpartum period. It can also decrease your risk of postpartum depression.

Breast milk can also be pumped, allowing Dad or other family members to participate in feeding the baby.

We can’t forget to mention that breastfeeding saves a LOT of money on formula, milk, and food…breast milk is free! It’s also a natural remedy for a lot of infections, bites, and in a pinch you’ve got creamer for your coffee (just kidding!)

Breastfeeding is a miraculous thing that mothers get to experience. It’s the little moments like that sweet skin-to-skin contact, your baby looking into your eyes so gratefully, and feeling them fall asleep in peace. To nurture is the essence of motherhood; and breastfeeding is one of the greatest ways we can nurture and provide for our children.

Written by Chelsea Hover for Tree of Life Breastmilk Jewelry