Benefits Of Brestfeeding
Arrival of a baby is the happiest and exciting moment for the woman. The infant needs the careful attention. Milk is the only diet for the infants. Breast milk is always better for the baby than the outside milk. There are many advantages of breast milk over the external milk. The main advantage of breastfeeding is that close skin-to-skin contact of mother with the baby leads to close emotional attachment. Hence, breastfeeding should not be avoided by the mother.
Beneficial for the baby
Breast milk is nutritionally complete having accurate amount of sugar, fat, protein and water required for the development and growth of the baby. It is easily digestible. It contains the mother’s antibodies. They protect the infants from the bacterial and viral infections. The breast milk improves the immune system of the baby.
The lactoferrin in the breast milk facilitates the iron absorption and protects the gut from the harmful bacteria. The lipase helps to digest the fats. Special hormones and growth factors contribute in development and growth of the baby. Breastfeeding contribute in the optimal oral development. Due to physical contact with mother, the baby feels more secure.
Breastfeeding offer special benefits for the premature infants. Premature breast milk contains different amount of nutrients suitable for the needs of premature babies. They get more immune protection. The risk of sepsis is reduced in these babies. It causes early development of the premature baby. Breastfeeding is very important for the babies with some medical problems like cleft palate, congenital heart disease and Down’s syndrome.
Beneficial for the mother
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby but also it is good for mother’s health. It is a joyful experience for her. Immediately after the birth of a baby, oxytocin is released in response to the baby’s sucking. It causes the contraction of the uterus. It protects the mother from the postpartum hemorrhage. Breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation and menstruation. Breastfeeding can be applied for the birth control. The lactational amenorrhea method is an effective method of child spacing.
The delayed menses decrease the iron loss in the mother. The improved iron absorption from the gut reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Another important benefit of breastfeeding is the rapid weight loss. About 200-500 calories are used for the milk production. It helps to lose the excessive weight. The woman who breastfeeds at least for 6 months has decreased risk of the breast cancer as well as ovarian and uterine cancers.
Recommended Reading
- Maternity And Infant Care
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- To Binky, Or Not To Binky
- Maternal Obesity In Early Pregnancy

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