The Chronicles of Mother’s love – Benefits of Breastfeeding

There’s a quote that says, “A mother’s love endures forever”, because mothers give 24/7 care, non-stop attention, unwavering patience, and of course, unconditional love. Indeed, being a mother is a noble job and one of its unique gifts is breastfeeding.  Across the globe, the importance of breastfeeding is being highlighted in various organizations – be it in the government, NGOs, and online communities. 

Breastfeeding is essential to babies as it stimulates a strong immunity.  The breast milk is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can help boost the baby‘s immune system. But take note, the quality of breast milk depends on the health status and nutrition of the mother, therefore, her health and well-being should be of utmost priority.

 Before we get to that, let’s check first what the benefits of breastfeeding to babies are:

• Fewer instances of allergies, eczema, and asthma
• Fewer childhood cancers, including leukemia and lymphomas
• Lower risk of type I and II diabetes
• Fewer instances of Crohn’s disease and colitis
• Lower rates of respiratory illness
• Fewer speech and orthodontic problems
• Fewer cavities
• Less likelihood of becoming obese later in childhood
• Improved brain maturation and cognitive development
• Greater immunity to infection

On top of these, breastfeeding also has physical and emotional benefits to the mother.

Physical Benefits:

• Promotes rapid weight loss after giving birth, burning about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain a milk supply.
• Stimulates the uterus to contract and return back to normal size.
• Less chances of postpartum bleeding
• Fewer urinary tract infections
• Less chance of anemia
• Less risk of post-partum depression and overall positive mood
• Prevents later hypertension, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.

Emotional Benefits:

• Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother.
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Increased calmness. Breastfed babies cry less overall, and have fewer incidences of childhood illness. Breastfeeding can support the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family.
• Breastfeeding makes travel easier. Breast milk is always clean and the right temperature.
• Physical/emotional bonding between mother and child is increased. Breastfeeding promotes more skin-to-skin contact, more holding and stroking. Many feel that affectionate bonding during the first years of life help reduce social and behavioral problems in both children and adults.
• Breastfeeding mothers learn to read their infant’s cues and babies learn to trust caregivers. This helps shape the infant’s early behavior.

It is important to consume nutritious food to get the adequate nutrients that will support the production of breastmilk. Below are the important nutrients that expecting mothers should ensure from the foods they consume.

All of these nutrients come from eating complete and balanced meal like – Gardenia Menudo Turnover which is essential nutrients to nourish a mother during her breastfeeding journey. Made with Gardenia High Fiber Wheat Cranberry Loaf, that has B-vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. Gardenia Menudo Turnover is guaranteed #healthylicious.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories (Kcal): 112

Carbs (g): 14.3

Protein (g): 4.3

Fats (g): 4.2

Dietary Fiber (g): 6.5

Claims: High Fiber, Source of Vitamin A and C

INGREDIENTS

• Gardenia Wheat Cranberry Loaf, 2 slices
• Leftover menudo, 30 g

PROCEDURE

1.) Flatten 2 slices of Gardenia Wheat Cranberry and cut round shapes.

2.) Place 1 tbsp or 30 g of leftover menudo in the center of the flattened bread and cover it with another flattened bread.

3.) Seal the turnover using a fork.

4.) Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until toasted.

5.) Serve and enjoy!

Reference:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breastfeeding-nutrition/art-20046912
• https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-baby–for-mom