BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Breastfeeding your baby is a personal decision which is very important for the growing child. The breast secretes colostrums for the first few days, which is high in protein and is believed to give the baby temporary immunity to infectious diseases.

Colostrums helps the newborn’s digestive tract develop.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation) Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and the child as it contains all the nutrients the infant needs in the first six months of life.

American Academic of Pediatrics strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Continued breastfeeding is recommended for at for another one year. Experts have it that breastfeed exclusively(6 months, without fomular) helps the child to fight diseases like diarrhea, ear infection, respiratory infections e t c. Studies have linked exclusive breastfeeding with higher IQ.


WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK

Breast milk contains antibodies that help your body fight off virus and bacteria. Breast feeding lowers your baby’s risk of have asthma and allergies, according to WedMD.

Scientists think that immune factors such as secretory IgA (only available in breast milk) helps in preventing allergies reactions to food by providing a layer of protection to a baby’s intestinal tract.

It is very cheap, it is readily available, it is the normal body temperature, it help the uterus/womb to go back to it’s normal position after birth and is easily digested than infant fomular

There is no risk of contamination.

Breastfeeding promotes an emotional connection between the mother and child.
Researchers have documented a link between lack of breastfeeding and a later development of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative Colitis. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off virus and bacteria

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeed as a way to help reduce your child’s risk of becoming overweight or Obese. According to the research also, breastfeeding plays on role in preventing SIDS (Sudden infant death death syndrme)

Another study by the National institute of Environmental Health Sciences showed that the children who are breast have 20% lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 and 1 year than children who were’nt breastfed

Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development.

WHO Recommends that the infant should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life inn order to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk and with no other liquids or solids given with the exception of rehydration solution, or drop/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines. Thereafter, inclusion of complementary foods.

Sources: Who.int
Babycenter.com
WedMD.com