Let’s Talk About Breastfeeding Benefits for Mommies and Babies.
One of the most important decisions for soon to be parents is whether to feed their new baby with mommy’s milk or formula. Parents need to consider many things before deciding for example mom’s availability, comfort, lifestyle and sometimes even medical situations. The baby’s health is the number one priority and it is important for parents to understand that a breastfed or a formula fed baby will receive all the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Now, breastfeeding does have additional benefits for both mother and baby as well as downsides but, parents together should make the decision and support one another.
Breastfed babies have many healthy benefits…
Mother’s milk provides many enzymes, antibodies, antioxidants and other nutrients that benefit the baby’s health. Research has shown that breastfed babies can have stronger immune systems, less gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), fever ear infections and colds.
Breastfed babies can later become healthier children because mother’s milk can reduce risk to develop allergies, eczema, asthma, diabetes (type I or II) as well as fewer speech and orthodontic problems. There is also a lower risk for obesity because breastfed babies eat as many and for as long as they want and this allows for them to connect with that satiety feeling that can lead to a healthy relationship with food later in life.
…Mommies also receive many benefits from breastfeeding
The act of a mother’s body building and maintaining milk supply burns extra calories (aproximatley 500 per day), this will help to lose the baby weight which tends to be of concern for recent mothers. Breastfeeding also helps the uterus to return to normal size because it stimulates uterus contractions. There is also a lower risk for postpartum depression and breast cancer.
Traveling can be easier when breastfeeding because there is no need for bottles nor searching warm clean water and let’s not forget that mommy’s milk is FREE, this is a huge benefit compared to formula because, let’s be face it, having a newborn can get very costly.
There are many more benefits of breastfeeding to both babies and mommies. It is the main source for nutrition recommended for newborns for as long as possible and it is encouraged by health professionals whenever possible. However, at the end of the day it is parents that make the decision based on what will be best for their baby and for them, there is no right or wrong way to go. Know that healthcare professionals are always available to guide and support you.
Reference: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-baby–for-mom
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Source: thatlowcarblife.com
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tesapoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil.
- Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside.
- Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
