Reuters Health, New York, reported that according to the new study seems like breastfeeding not only does good to the infant but it even benefits the breastfeeding mother – it is lowering long term risk of developing a collection of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and most natural things you, as a women, can do, yet no one really tells you of the struggles ahead. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions and while many are glorious, it really helps to talk about the issues on breastfeeding with other women, so you are prepared and ready for this exciting and challenging time ahead.

Cost

Breast milk is totally free. Although it seems obvious, this is often overlooked by mothers who are considering not breastfeeding and switching instead to formula milk. When you breastfeed you save money by not having to buy such items as, baby formula, bottles, nipples, sterilizers and special travel bags to keep formula either warm or cold. When breastfeeding, you also don’t have to eat for two; just eat as you normally would, so there’s no additional expense there either.

You get a smarter kid! The nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits your baby’s IQ. Breastfed babies have tested to have higher IQ scores throughout childhood and even into adulthood!

Secure and happy baby. The skin-on-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding offers babies greater sense of security and encourages bonding with their mother.

The protein content and the level of most minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, in breast milk, is lower than that of cow’s milk or infant formula. This is an advantage because less waste must be excreted. The newborn kidney is immature and cannot concentrate wastes. Therefore, the baby loses more water with cow’s milk or formula than with breast milk.

Learn to nurse in public. Breastfeeding writer Amy Spangler says : “I encourage younger girls, if they have a comfort level doing so to please breastfeed their babies wherever they are because until we get that critical size of girls doing just that, we are not going to modify the attitudes of the general public.” Practice latching baby on in front of a mirror so you can learn to do so discreetly.

Babies also use breastmilk to develop an immune system in early weeks. During the first few months and weeks of baby’s life he or she has no immune system of their own. By breastfeeding they are still using mom’s until they are able to build one of their own. This means less colds, less infections and overall a healthier beginning to life.

Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It’s always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don’t let the baby suck at your nipple – she must have lots of the areola as well, otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.