Breastfeeding can be defined as the natural process of the activity of feeding a baby, milk from the breast of a lactating woman. Breastfeeding is a common practice in the Asian and African communities but not in the US. According to NIS (National Immunization Survey) 21-25% children are breastfed till 1 year.
Here are a few benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and child.
- Breast milk is more digestible than formula
- Formula feeding increases baby girls’ risk of developing breast cancer in later life
- Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
- Breast milk helps pass a sticky tar-like substance called Meconium in the intestines of new born.
- Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby’s immune system.
- Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
- Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers
Breastfeeding - benefits of breastfeeding
- Breast milk provides the right balance of nutrients to help an infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler.
- Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect an infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections, such as diarrhoea, middle ear infections, and certain lung infections.
- In response to the baby’s sucking, the mother’s body releases a hormone called Oxytocin which makes her uterus contract and get smaller.
- Mothers also get emotional benefits and satisfaction from breastfeeding because of the closeness of the interaction with the baby
- Research suggest that mothers who breastfeed their babies have fewer episodes of post-delivery depression.
- There is evolving evidence to indicate that certain types of cancer (such as breast, uterus, and ovarian cancer) occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.
- Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis, diarrheal infections and respiratory infections.
- Breastfeeding contributes to optimal child spacing.
