Are you a nursing mom, or do you plan to go down that route? Well, congrats, then, for breastfeeding has been recognised worldwide by experts, scientists, and doctors as the best nutrition source for infants, one that paves the way for many lifelong benefits for your child. Yes, it’s good for now and for later too! How so? Read on…
1. Higher likelihood of consuming healthier food
Breast milk is believed to contain nutrients from the mother’s diet, which in turn varies from day today. This is said to affect the taste and flavours of breast milk. In any case, we’d like to think that it’ll be an easier task to incorporate variety and different colors into children’s diets through fruits and vegetables, that is, if the mother also plays her part well during the weaning process. Try healthy recipes combining wholesome ingredients with breast milk from the time your baby first starts on solid foods until your breast milk supply ends. The introduction to solid food may be less troublesome and there may be a higher possibility that your child will develop a preference for healthier foods.
2. They’ll eat when hungry
Most of us are trained, with no doubt the best of intentions, to eat by the clock. The trouble with this is, it may not necessarily mean you’re eating when your body needs the energy and nutrients. As we have plentiful examples now, of obesity and malnourishment alike, there is no denying that if children and adults put their bodies needs (e.g. hunger) before the demands of the clock, the pitfalls of unhealthy choices in food due to waiting too long and feeling famished can be avoided.
3. They’ll stop when they’re full
The beauty of breastfeeding is, babies are ‘in charge’ of the frequency and quantity of milk they take in, in turn prompting an adequate supply from their mother. Once this is in sync, a mom’s body will produce milk to supply on demand. By nature, breastfed babies only drink what their body needs, naturally training their inborn ability to control the portion of food that they take in. Coupled with parents’ continuous guidance and awareness, children can keep the habit of eating only what their bodies need throughout their lives.
Featured image source: www.hellomotherhood.com
