Breastfeeding health benefits encompasses both mother and child. Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development according to WHO.
As the embryo grows in the womb and passes several phases in its growth, the secretion of multiple hormones impacts the physiological and physical condition of the pregnant mother and also affects the breast in this phase; there is an increase in the size of the woman’s breast which would begin to produce milk after childbirth for breastfeeding. The milk generated for both the newborn and the mother is very advantageous.
These breastfeeding health benefits for mother and child are as follows:
Breastfeeding health benefits for the child
1. Brain growth and development
In breast milk, there are multiple proteins that have been identified with distinctive advantages. Studies have shown that kids who are only fed breast milk for at least 6 months and who have been fed breast milk and other food formula for at least 1 year tend to have greater IQ than non-fed kids. In addition, proteins have not been fully elucidated to encourage brain growth and development.
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2. Highly nutritious
Breast milk contains water, fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and so many nutrients that are relevant and good, all in their correct percentage. However, vitamin D in breast milk is not sufficient and should be administered as a complement. Breast milk is a free source of healthy nutrition for the child and it is not necessary to measure together formula feed for the body which is not readily digestible compared to breast milk. Breast dairy protein promotes nutrient intake such as iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
3. Disease prevention
Specifically, secretory IgA antibody in breast milk antibodies battles illnesses that could influence children. Secretory IgA lines the wall in the ear, intestine, nose of the mucous membrane to prevent infection. This may be the reason why kids who are correctly fed with breast tend not to have ear infection or asthma as they grow. Those breast-fed kids have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, childhood cancer and, above all, preventing sudden syndrome of infant death. Children supplied with formula feed may even have diarrhea, but there is generally no diarrhea caused by breast milk. It has also been shown that breastfeeding is not capable of causing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s illness.
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4. Promotes bonding between mother and child
The contacts between mom and baby; flesh to flesh, eye to eye contact, enhances the impression of intimacy between mom and baby, which makes the kid feel more secure and loved.
Breastfeeding health benefits for the Mother
Breastfeeding advantages the mom breastfeeding the kid. Women have been reported to;
1. Recover their pre-pregnancy weight through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
2. Lower their risk of osteoporosis through breastfeeding.
3. Avoid cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the uterus.
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For more information about correct positioning and attachment visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website.
While breastfeeding you have a stronger need for calories and most nutrients. If you don’t get enough food, your breast milk production can be adversely affected by that. It can be harmful for your own safety, as well. Hence consuming a variety of healthy, nutritious foods is more essential than ever.
Summary
Breast milk is a distinctive milk that is irreplaceable for a newborn baby and should be used for at least 6 months and for 1 year with other feed formula. WHO proposes that a baby be fed breast for 2 years. Breastfeeding health benefits is good for you and your baby!