Breastfeeding: The Nutritional Powerhouse for Babies

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Introduction
Choosing to breastfeed is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your baby. A change in hormones during pregnancy causes your breast tissue to grow and increases the number and size of your milk ducts. These hormones also allow proteins, carbohydrates, and fats from your blood supply to make breast milk in your milk-producing glands. Hormones prevent breast milk from being released before your baby is born. They also prompt milk flow after birth. Once breastfeeding has begun, thoughts of your baby, as well as his or her sucking or crying, can stimulate the release of milk from your milk-producing glands.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Research shows that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers. It also …show more content…

Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of asthma, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Nutrients in breast milk are better for your baby than nutrients in infant formula. Breast milk is uniquely designed for your baby’s needs.
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop other conditions, such as childhood obesity, asthma, or type 2 diabetes.
Breast milk improves your baby's brain development.
For you
Breastfeeding helps to create a very special bond between you and your baby.
Breastfeeding is convenient. Breast milk is always available at the correct temperature and costs nothing.
Breastfeeding helps to burn calories and helps you lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding makes your uterus contract faster to its size before pregnancy. It also slows bleeding (lochia) after you give birth.
Breastfeeding helps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancer later in life.
Signs that your baby is hungry
Early signs of hunger
Increased alertness or activity.
Stretching.
Movement of the head from side to

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