Breastfeeding means the baby is fed with milk produced by the mother, usually directly from the breasts. Medical professionals recommended that exclusive breastfeeding be adopted for a minimum of six months. It is suggested to continue breastfeeding during the infant's first year of life even after introducing other foods.
A new born baby receives the best nutrition from the breast milk that promotes their growth and development. Also, breastfeeding can assist mom and baby by providing protection against several ailments and disorders. Breast milk contains easily absorbed nutritional components, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties, and live antibodies from the mothers. The more mature immune system of the mother develops antibodies to the germs to which the mother and her baby are exposed. These antibodies enter the milk to provide protection for the baby from any illness. Immunoglobulin A prevents the pathogens and allergens from penetrating the baby’s developing intestinal lining by coating it. Visit Manipal Hospitals and consult with our experts to know more about the Advantages of breast feeding.
Breastfeeding a baby is determined by whether the baby prefers small, frequent meals or larger feedings, that changes as the baby grows. The new-born babies are fed every 2-3 hours. The feeding “Interval” increases to 3-4 hours after two months, and after six months, the baby requires a feeding of 4-5 hours.
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mothers and new-borns. It encourages healthy bonding and skin-to-skin contact for both the mother and the baby. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies that help the baby grow and eliminate the risk of infection throughout their first year of life as their immune system is still developing.
Breastfeeding benefits for mom
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are discussed below:
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The main benefit of breastfeeding is the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding, as this hormone is known for increasing feelings of relaxation, trust, and bonding. It helps in controlling the contractions within the uterus, which is effective in reducing postpartum bleeding.
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Breastfeeding is another way of promoting skin-to-skin contact that supports the physical and developmental health of the baby.
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It also reduces the chances of developing breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure in the mothers.
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It is also convenient and can be done easily at any time.
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It helps with the faster recovery of mothers after their pregnancy and helps them return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. Consult with the Best Pediatrician in Kolkata at Manipal Hospitals.
Breastfeeding benefits for baby
The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby are discussed below:
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The first breast milk produced in the mammary gland is known as colostrum and contains nutrients and antibodies that provide protection to new-borns from any infectious diseases.
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The baby's chances of getting sick decrease when the mother breastfeeds the baby for the first year of life, as they are constantly exposed to antibodies. Studies have revealed that antibodies and white blood cells in breast milk provide protection against influenza and COVID-19, along with tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
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Breastfeeding promotes a healthy gut in the baby and lowers the risk of stomach infection and abdominal problems.
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The antibodies within the mother help the baby fight infections, preventing inflammation and other illnesses, making them healthier.
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Breastfeeding a child lowers the risk of obesity, asthma, and other allergies.
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It helps the baby bond with their mothers.
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The breast feed babies do not have tooth decay and stomach-related issues.
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Breastfeeding decreases the baby’s risk of SIDS and SUID.
Benefits for both mom and baby
Breastfeeding helps in building an emotional bond between the baby and the mother. It forms skin-to-skin contact between them, thus keeping the baby warm and stabilizes the heartbeats of both, the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding is considered important for the premature babies. Premature breast milk is quite different from the full-term breast milk. The preterm breast milk fulfils the need of the baby at any gestational age that continues to change as the baby grows with age.
Consultant - Paediatrics MD (PED)
Manipal Hospitals. Salt Lake, Kolkata
