When I was pregnant with Naj, I have planned to breastfed him that is why I bought this ridiculously-expensive breastpump. But I didn’t realise how strongly I felt and wanted to breastfed my son until I gave birth to him. I only hold got to hold him 3 days after I gave birth to him via caesarian section. My milk only came in 5 days postpartum. When I finally got to hold my son and he latched to my breast perfectly, I saw he got frustrated that he couldn’t get any milk. I initially top up my lack of supply with formula milk. But he keep vomiting out most of the formula milk and he get cranky with colic. As my milk supply increased, I finally fed my son full breastmilk. But dilemma arises when I have to go back in  Singapore without him. He had to rely half on donor milk and formula milk while I filled our freezer here in Singapore with expressed. Now, I am s happy to announce that my son is with here in Singapore and he is in full breastmilk. I maybe facing low supply issues and is worried that my milk stash will run out. But I adamant that I’ll breastfeed Naj at least until he is one year old. I know the benefits of breastfeeding and here are few of them:

1. PERECT FOOD FOR BABY

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six monte of life. Breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia. Adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. They are less likely to have Diabetes.

 

2.  COST-EFFECTIVE

When my baby was on formula milk, I was so surprised that one small can cost 500pesos which he can finish in two days! How can we spend so much in chemical-filled powder which destroy my son’s virgin gut? Now, we saved a lot because we don’t need to buy formula mik. The best things in life are free! Breast milk is one of those.

3. MOTHER AND CHILD BONDING

Any breastfeeding mom would say that the best thing about breastfeeding is when your baby looks up to you as he latches on and you cuddle him close. It melts my heart every time. There is a different wonderful feeling that you get to provide sustenance and good food for your baby. You see how happy your baby gets when takes your milk. This is a great bonding moment for mom and baby something mothers would treasure.

4. HIGHER IQ FOR BREASTFED BABIES

There are studies supporting that breastfed babies have higher IQ and scoring higher on language & intelligence tests. Don’t we all want our babies to grow up smart? They say it has to do wit all the amino acids, omega-3 and good cholesterol in the breastmilk.

5. WEIGHTLOSS FOR MOMMY

Miranda Kerr and Emily Blunt swears by breastfeeding helped them shed off their postpartum weight. Breastfeeding can burn 600 to 1000 calories daily. Wow! Isn’t that great?

So keep on breastfeeding, mommas! Breast is the best!