By Dr. Yakub, CMD and Fertility Specialist at Well-Life Hospital, Abuja
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a beautiful, transformative journey filled with love, joy, and a few challenges. As a new or expecting mom, you’re likely bombarded with advice about feeding your baby. At Well-Life Hospital in Abuja, we understand how overwhelming this can be, and we’re here to support you with expert guidance. In this article, Dr. Yakub, our Chief Medical Director and Fertility Specialist, shares why breastfeeding is the gold standard for your baby’s health and your well-being, highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and offering practical tips to make your breastfeeding journey rewarding and stress-free. You’ll also learn about the many benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, and how breastfeeding benefits can positively impact both you and your child.
Why Breastfeeding Matters
Breastfeeding is more than just feeding—it’s nature’s perfect design for nurturing your baby. Dr. Yakub emphasizes that breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet your baby’s nutritional and immunological needs, far surpassing any formula (or what he playfully calls “cow milk”). Despite cultural shifts and misconceptions that formula is more modern, breast milk remains unmatched. At Well-Life Hospital, we’re passionate about empowering moms with the knowledge to make informed choices for their babies.
The Nutritional Powerhouse of Breast Milk
Breast milk is a complete package, containing all the essential nutrients your baby needs for the first six months of life. It’s packed with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and even water, ensuring your baby thrives without needing supplements. Dr. Yakub explains, “God has put almost every nutrient a baby needs for survival in breast milk.” This means no water, no formula—just breast milk for the first six months.
This nutritional perfection supports your baby’s growth and development, from building strong bones to fostering healthy brain function. At Well-Life Hospital, our prenatal care team guides moms on maintaining a balanced diet to ensure their breast milk is nutrient-rich, giving their baby the best start.
Immunity Boost for Your Baby
One of the most remarkable benefits of breast milk is its ability to protect your baby from illness. Breast milk contains antibodies—immune-protective substances that shield your baby from viruses, bacteria, and even malaria. These antibodies are passed from you, the mother, who has developed immunity to environmental pathogens. Dr. Yakub notes, “Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months tend to fall ill less frequently.”
This is especially critical because newborns have underdeveloped immune systems. Breast milk acts as a natural vaccine, offering protection until your baby’s immune system matures. Unlike formula, which lacks these live antibodies, breast milk gives your baby a head start in staying healthy.
Long-Term Health Benefits for Your Baby
The benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond infancy. Children who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months have a lower risk of childhood and adult obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Yakub highlights, “Babies who are breastfed have less risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.” By choosing breastfeeding, you’re investing in your child’s lifelong health.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers: More Than Just Bonding
Breastfeeding isn’t just about your baby—it’s a gift to you, too. At Well-Life Hospital, we recognize the benefits of breastfeeding, which empower mothers in physical, emotional, and financial ways. Here’s how:
- Health Benefits: Breastfeeding reduces your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as supported by scientific research. It also helps your womb contract after delivery, minimizing postpartum bleeding and aiding recovery.
- Cost-Effective: Breastfeeding is free! As Dr. Yakub says, “All the mother needs to do is eat her regular meals and ensure a balanced diet.” In challenging economic times, breastfeeding can help you avoid the high costs of formula.
- Weight Management: Breastfeeding can help prevent excessive weight gain by passing nutrients to your baby, supporting your postpartum fitness goals.
Plus, the emotional bond you build with your baby during breastfeeding is priceless. It’s a moment of connection that strengthens your relationship, and our team at Well-Life Hospital is here to support you through every step.
Why Formula Falls Short
Dr. Yakub refers to formula as “cow milk” to drive home a point: it can’t compare to human breast milk. Formula lacks the live antibodies that protect your baby and often contains imbalanced nutrients that may increase health risks later in life. “If you’re giving your baby formula, you might be setting them up for health challenges,” Dr. Yakub warns. At Well-Life Hospital, we only recommend formula in rare cases, such as when breastfeeding is impossible due to medical conditions or the baby’s refusal.
How to Breastfeed the Right Way
Breastfeeding can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it’s incredibly rewarding. Here are Dr. Yakub’s expert tips, backed by medical recommendations:
Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months
For the first six months, your baby needs only breast milk—no water, no formula. This practice, called exclusive breastfeeding, ensures your baby gets all the nutrients and antibodies they need. Our prenatal care team at Well-Life Hospital can guide you on techniques to make breastfeeding comfortable and effective.
Feed on Demand
Forget rigid feeding schedules. Dr. Yakub advises, “Breastfeeding should be on demand—anytime your baby needs it.” Breast milk serves as nutrition, hydration, and even comfort when your baby is fussy. This 24/7 commitment can be demanding, but it’s worth it for your baby’s health.
Continue Up to Two Years
Medical guidelines recommend breastfeeding for two years, alongside complementary foods after six months. Many moms stop at one year, thinking it’s a milestone, but Dr. Yakub cautions against this trend. Complementary foods—like cereals or locally available, energy-rich meals—should supplement, not replace, breast milk. Our specialists can help you formulate affordable, nutritious complementary feeds.
Gradual Weaning
When it’s time to wean, don’t stop suddenly. Abrupt weaning can lead to malnutrition in your baby and breast engorgement for you. Dr. Yakub suggests gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions over weeks or months, introducing balanced complementary foods to ease the transition. “This way, both you and your baby avoid suffering,” he says.
When Formula Is Necessary
While breastfeeding is ideal, there are rare cases where it’s not possible—such as maternal health issues, the baby’s refusal, or lactose intolerance. In these situations, Well-Life Hospital’s team can recommend appropriate formula options, like lactose-free varieties, to ensure your baby’s needs are met. We offer comprehensive fertility evaluations and counseling to support you through any challenges.
Why Choose Well-Life Hospital?
At Well-Life Hospital in Abuja, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your reproductive and parenting goals. Our expert team, led by Dr. Yakub, provides personalized prenatal care, fertility treatments, and counseling to make your breastfeeding journey successful. With over 190 happy patients and a range of services from IVF to minimally invasive surgeries, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to start your parenthood journey? Book a consultation today at Well-Life Hospital or call us at +234 906 000 4314. Our support agent, Stacy, is available on WhatsApp to answer your questions. Visit our FAQ page for more details.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a powerful act of love that nourishes your baby and supports your health. As Dr. Yakub beautifully puts it, “God created humans as the most advanced beings—why settle for animal milk when breast milk is free and perfect?” Embrace this natural gift, and let Well-Life Hospital be your partner in creating a healthy, happy start for you and your baby.
Call to Action: Have questions about breastfeeding or prenatal care? Contact Well-Life Hospital today at +234 906 000 4314 or visit our website. Subscribe to our blog for more expert tips, and let’s make your parenting journey a joyful one!
