Five Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Six Months
After six months of nursing your child, you might wonder if any benefits come along with the extension of breastfeeding past six months. The answer is, yes. There are numerous benefits that you and your baby will get from breastfeeding for an extended period. Here are five reasons for breastfeeding your baby after six months.
Nutritional Benefits
When your baby starts eating solid foods after six months of breastfeeding, you may think your milk supply is not as important. Actually, your baby only gains a small portion of nutrients from solids, while breast milk provides a significant amount of nutrition. After six months of nursing, your baby is going to require nutrients that they may not get from solid foods. Your milk will be more beneficial to them.
Boosted Immune System
Your milk carries antibodies and still has immunologic factors. It’s more important to your child beyond six months when babies become exposed to more illnesses. Breastfeeding after six months lowers your baby’s risk for conditions they may come across later in life such as diabetes, respiratory infections, asthma, and obesity.
Enhanced Signal Development
Being close to your baby, immediately being responsive to their wants and needs, and engaging in lots of touching and eye contact create a strong bond. It is believed that these interactions between you and your child only strengthen their development. With breastfeeding, the longer you do it, the more your baby will have a positive outcome in development, appetite, and academic performance.
Convenience
There is no better milk for your baby than your own. Your breast milk becomes convenient as opposed to using a formula. Your body produces specific antibodies, live cells, growth factors, hormones, or helpful bacteria that only found in your breast milk. Breastfeeding past six months will be more convenient for you and your baby.
Lose Pregnancy Weight Faster
There is a huge benefit for you, Mom. Breastfeeding continues to burn up to 500 calories a day, helping you to stay in shape. You can save up to hundreds on formula each month, and your bond with your child will only become stronger.
