Yeah, we know. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it accumulates over time. One full year of breastfeeding can add up to four IQ points to your baby’s intelligence. Tests were done over time with children who were breastfed and those who weren’t.
Among 1,300 babies, it was found that as they got older the IQ points made more of a difference in intelligence and vocabulary. For new mothers and mothers-to-be, this is an important factor in the raising of your new son or daughter.
Not only does this help with intelligence factors, but breast milk has been discovered to help children with immunity levels and protection against illnesses that they may be subjected to get as children and toddlers.
However, the reasoning behind breast milk feeding and intelligence is yet to be established. Some doctors say that the connection is a string of proteins that help with brain development in children, but that has yet to be secured as the actual reasoning behind the smart factor.
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But does it really matter? There are so many benefits to breast feeding that there really is no reason that you shouldn’t do it unless you can’t or adopt a child. Aside from providing the best nutrition to your newborn, breastfeeding is cheaper and there’s no bottles to heat up or prepare.
Unfortunately, it’s hard as working women to breastfeed after your three months is up and you have to go back to work. There is always the option to pump as a new mom, but even that might be difficult. However, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you think of the benefits for your child. For Latinas, taking a break to use the bathroom and pump breast milk might not be so professional but it is acceptable as a new mother.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should pump at least 15 minutes every few hours during the work day. This sounds slightly difficult and maybe out of the ordinary, but women are doing it and should allow you to do it, too.
Also, when you are with your baby at night, feed when the baby wants to be fed. The more you feed the baby, the more of a supply you will have when you pump and thus making it easier to pump and have enough to feed your baby daily.