Breastfeeding isn't always easy. But there are a ton of reasons to support your partner through the process. Here's why the benefits to your baby are so worth the effort.
The first 1000 days of your baby’s life, from the first day of pregnancy up to 2 years of life, represent a critical period of growth and development and give parents an opportunity to provide an environment that will help support life-long health.This includes the nutrition a baby receives during this period which can have a resounding impact. The most complete form of nutrition for infants, breast milk, offers a range of benefits for health, growth, immunity, and development. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months (and even up to two years and beyond) because of the long-lasting benefits of breastfeeding for both your partner and your baby. Many studies — whether focusing on the properties of the milk itself or its effects on babies’ short and long-term health — confirm the significance of these recommendations.
Breast not only is the “best” for baby, but it’s also the norm — it’s how babies have been fed since the beginning. One of the most important decisions parents can make during these first 1000 days of your baby’s life is to choose to breastfeed your baby.