Many mothers are aware of all the benefits of breastfeeding for themselves as well as for their babies. Not only is it a beautiful way to bond with your baby, but it is also a great way to protect your baby from infections and illnesses. This is also true for their ears!
Benefits of Breastfeeding on your baby’s hearing:
- Your baby will be better protected against infections such as upper airway infection.
- They tend to yield better results with hearing assessments.
- Less physical changes to the middle ear such as the Eardrum.
- Better position during breastfeeding than bottle feeding lying down.
- Less likely to develop Middle ear infections.
Breastfeeding position:
Lying your baby down while bottle feeding may result milk entering the middle ear cavity through the eustachian tube. This can cause infection and fluid build-up in the middle ear space.
Tips on correct breastfeeding position:
- Hold your baby at 45˚ angle to ensure that no milk travels into the middle ear cavity.
- Let your baby drink from your breast rather than a bottle to encourage better jaw movement. This will open and close the Eustachian tube which will allow better ventilation and reduction of fluid in the middle ear space.
- Secure your babies head with the inside of your elbow to ensure good latching distance.
- Enjoy spending this beautiful bonding moment with your baby.
Your baby’s hearing
Have you tested your baby’s hearing yet? Read more here
Want to know more about your child’s ears and hearing: Read More here!
