There’s a lot of pressure to get everything right regarding your breastfeeding routine—not just from yourself but also from the well-meaning family members with all the opinions. When breastfeeding exclusively for six months, the benefits speak for themselves. As a mama vet who’s been through it (hello, tired eye bags), remember you don’t have to do it alone—cue NutraLac!
Why Breastfeeding for 6 Months is the Real MVP
So breast milk is like a DIY (we all love a good DIY) superfood for your baby. It contains perfect levels of vitamins, proteins, and fats, all wrapped in an excellent package tailor-made for their tiny body.
Your package includes huge benefits like:
- Creating an immune system complete of antibodies to help babies fight viruses and infections (because no one has ever asked for ear infections and tummy troubles).
- Lower health risks of developing health problems, including asthma, ear infections, allergies, and even Type 1 Diabetes.
- Protection against Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition in premature babies, is essential for their delicate digestive systems. Premature infants need about 6 months for their intestines to fully develop, and during this time, introducing anything other than breast milk can sometimes cause discomfort and inflammation. Breastfeeding provides the gentle nourishment they need, helping to keep babies comfortable and moms at ease.
- Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 73% – the longer you breastfeed, the more your baby is protected.
- Not only does breastmilk help with a baby’s physical growth, but it also helps with brain development—like a little brain-boosting snack (c’mon, we pay big bucks for that as adults—they get it for free).
What’s in It for You?
Mama, breastfeeding isn’t just for your baby but benefits you too:
- Did you know that breastfeeding can reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancers? Plus, it helps minimize the chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes and Postpartum Depression. A little passive self-care because nobody wants these.
- You burn a ton of calories when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding can help you shed that post-baby weight faster.
- Oh, and did we mention a delayed period return (hallelujah!) So keep that in mind next time you snuggle your partner.
Breast Milk is All They Need
Here’s a fact you can throw around when your well-meaning aunt asks if the baby needs water in hot weather: breast milk gives your baby all the nutrition and hydration it needs for the first six months. There is no need for extra fluids, even when it’s warm outside. Your milk has them covered.
Global Recommendations?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend kicking off breastfeeding within an hour of birth and sticking with it exclusively for six months. Then, you can start introducing other foods while still breastfeeding for up to two years or longer if you’re up for it.
If every U.S. family followed these guidelines, it could save approximately $13 billion in medical costs yearly. Crazy! So, breastfeeding isn’t just good for your baby—it’s good for the economy, too.
How NutraLac Helps
Now, let’s be honest—keeping up with breastfeeding for six months is no walk in the park. It can be exhausting between midnight feeds, spit-ups, and the constant “Am I doing this right?” moments (darn that second-guessing brain). NutraLac can help make this part of your life easier.
NutraLac provides the essential nutrients you need to stay nourished and keep your milk supply strong without relying on herbal ingredients that may not be your thing (talking about you, Fenugreek). Plus, it’s delicious and fits seamlessly into your routine with a scoop in the morning and/or at night. Mix it into your smoothie, add it to your oatmeal or yogurt, or stir it into coffee, water, or almond milk (let’s face it, sometimes you only have 5 seconds to yourself). NutraLac helps you feel like the powerhouse mom you are while also giving your baby the best start in life!
Motherhood has many challenges, but we all want our babies to be healthy and happy. This whole motherhood thing can be. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the absolute best thing you can do for your baby. With NutraLac in your corner, you don’t have to do it alone. So, keep up the great work and keep doing what you’re doing, mama. You’ve got this.
Here’s to your journey of motherhood, filled with love, joy, and the nurturing power of NutraLac.
Jennifer Phillips
President & Chief Mom Officer (CMO)
NutraLac™
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Exclusive Breastfeeding.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Breastfeeding Benefits.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.
- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The Baby-Friendly Initiative.
- Bartick, M., & Reinhold, A. The Burden of Suboptimal Breastfeeding in the United States: A Pediatric Cost Analysis.
- National Library of Medicine Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Mother-Infant Dyad
- Cleveland Clinic. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)