IMPORTANCE OF BREAST FEEDING

BREAST FEEDING IMPORTANCE

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

The American Academy of pediatrics suggests breastfeeding exclusively for around 6 months, then continuing to breastfeed while introducing supplementary foods until the kid is 12 months old or older. Breast feeding is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for at least 2 years. 

BENEFITS FOR THE BABY:

♥ Best Source of nutrients: Breast milk contains everything a newborn needs in the first six months of life, in just the appropriate amounts. Its composition changes with the changing demands of the newborn, especially in the first month of life. Colostrum is the best first milk since it aids in the development of the newborn's digestive tract.

♥ Antibodies: Breast milk is high in antibodies that help the baby fight viruses and bacteria, which is especially important during the early months when he or she is vulnerable. Colostrum contains a lot of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies.

♥ Reduce disease risk: Breastfeeding lowers the baby's risk of obesity, Type 1 diabetes, SIDS, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, coughs and colds, gastrointestinal illnesses, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, Urinary Tract infections, meningitis, ear infections and childhood cancers.

♥ Promotes weight in baby: Breastfeeding encourages a healthy weight gain and protects children from obesity. Breast-fed babies had higher levels of leptin than formula-fed babies. Leptin is an important hormone that controls hunger and fat storage.

BENEFITS FOR MOTHER:

♥ Breastfeeding aids in the recovery of mothers following the delivery of their children and helps to prevent severe postpartum bleeding.

♥ Breastfeeding assists women in regaining their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly by burning an additional 500 calories each day.

♥ Breastfeeding aids in the development of a strong emotional link between mothers and their babies.

♥ It helps women relax because the bonding hormone oxytocin, which has a calming and relaxing impact, is released every time a baby feeds.

♥ Women who do not breast feed later in life are more likely to develop diabetes, osteoporosis and breast, ovarian & endometrial malignancies.