Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother & the Child

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the nursing of small babies and younger children with the milk from the breasts of the mother or woman. Generally, it is recommended for about six months by WHO (world health organization). There are various benefits for the baby as well as the mother which will be described in detail further.

A woman generally starts producing milk post delivery. The first milk from the breast is referred to as Colostrum. It is the most nutritive thing a baby can get in his entire life.

BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE MOTHER

Bruns extra calories post delivery

Breastfeeding is a great way to lose weight post delivery. Women tend to gain weight enormously during the gestation period and post-delivery their body lose shape they previously had. One of the major benefits of breastfeeding is to burn the extra calorie faster, gained in the process of pregnancy.



Releases the hormone OXYTOCIN

Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which is beneficial for women. Oxytocin helps the uterus to return to its original shape just like it was in the pre-pregnancy period.

Reduces uterine bleeding

Breastfeeding

It reduces uterine bleeding post pregnancy. Many women lose large amounts of blood after their pregnancy which leads to various blood deficit diseases. Thus breastfeeding benefits mothers in maintaining their blood levels.

Reduces the risk of chronicle diseases

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It protects the mother from various chronic, untreatable diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases are fatal and breastfeeding reduces the risk of attaining these deadly diseases.

Saves time and money

Mothers who breastfeed their babies have the benefit of saving their time in washing the milk bottles and nipples, warming formula and all other tiring baby chores. Moreover, it’s cheap and natural. It is estimated that mother’s milk costs rupees 8,676 to 31,782 per month which will sum up to rupees 10,878 to 3,81,477 in a year!!.

Bonding time with the baby

The main motive of breastfeeding is that mothers get a bonding time with her baby. She gets time to relax and bond with the baby. The baby gets to know about the touch and smell of the mother which plays a foundation to the mother-child relationship. It also makes the mother feel that pregnancy is beautiful.



BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE BABY

Ideal nutrition for babies

Mother’s milk is essential nutrition for babies. It is a mixture of vitamins, proteins, and fat. COLOSTRUM which is the prime source of Secretory immunoglobulin A (Ig A) protects the baby from many ailments.

Source of immunity and protection

Mother’s milk protects the child from various chronic diseases and pathogens. Diseases like respiratory illness, bouts of diarrhea, allergies, childhood cancer etc. The major source of immunity for a child is through mothers milk which makes breastfeeding beneficial.

Linked to higher IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

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According to researches conducted by WHO breastfeeding is linked to higher IQ development in the child. So breastfeed your infants enormously and nourish them with those extraordinary benefits and make them quick learner.

The right amount of weight

Children often become obese or extra thin if they do not get proper breastfeeding. Every parent would love to see their beaming kid in a healthy stage. Breastfeeding plays a vital role in this.

Prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Sudden infant death syndrome is most common among Indian cities. Generally, modern working women do not breastfeed their child which leads to SIDS. Hence the prime benefit of breastfeeding is to prevent SIDS and to protect the infant from this fatal disease.

Breastfeeding is beneficial not only for babies but for mothers also. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should be breastfed for at least six months.

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