Skip to main content

Breastfeeding is the best insurance plan for the mother and child

Mother’s milk provides optimal nutrition for the baby. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and all micro nutrients . It is a live fluid and is loaded with numerous immunological factors. The antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones make breast milk so special. Breastfeeding offers many advantages to mother-infant pair. I have enlisted few important ones here

Advantages offered by Breast milk and Breastfeeding

For the baby:

1. All the nutrients are in appropriate proportion for optimal growth and development of the baby and it is tailor made as per baby's requirement.

2. Protects the baby from infections and allergies.

3.  It is contamination-free as it is transferred directly from the mother to the baby.

4. Breast milk is at  the right temperature and is easily digestible by the baby.

5. Mother's milk helps is brain growth and cognitive development of the tiny tot.

6. It provides protection against obesity, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes in later life

7. Breastfeeding promotes stronger mother - infant bonding which lasts for lifetime.

For the mother:

1. It is very convenient and comfortable for the mother and requires no preparation.

2. Helps in early expulsion of placenta and also helps to reduce post delivery bleeding

3.  Uterus contracts faster to pre-pregnancy state

4.  Helps in family planning i.e. to delay consequent pregnancy (lactational amenorrhea) but mother should not depend on this as the sole method of contraception.

5. It also protects from post-menopausal osteoporosis.

6.  Mother’s pregnancy fat stores are utilized for breast milk preparation. This helps her get back to her pre-pregnancy weight (to be complemented with moderate exercises and avoidance of excessive fat intake)

7. It has long term health benefits for the mother such as  Decreased risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers

   Breastfed babies fall less sick. Hence family saves on medical expenses. Declining breastfeeding rates would increase the need for animal milk, artificial teats and bottles. This can pollute the environment. Hence breastfeeding is environment friendly as well. Thus, breastfeeding is advantageous not only for the mother and baby but also for the overall development of the society and the nation.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breasts know a lot!

I wonder if  breasts have a mind of their own , The innate intellect they carry is quite well known . While my little angel was still in my womb, happily growing My breasts were showing changes too, they were preparing for future feeding The areolas suddenly darkened and nipples became perky Later I understood, it happened so that my baby could latch easily. My breasts became warm, the moment he was put to my chest They signalled for the miracle hormone to calm my nerves and help me rest The sweet scent of milk that my breasts emit, attracts my baby instantly The moment they hear his hunger cry, they also start leaking automatically. How on earth do they know what my baby wants and what he needs?? Its fascinating that they even modify my milk, depending on when and how long he feeds. One night I was sleepy, so I may have skipped a feed or two They woke me in the middle of the night with heaviness and pain , I knew what I had to do Even my doctor warned me , if I
Post a Comment
Read more

Breastfeeding: a boon for babies

  It is well known that breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for the baby, mother and the society as well. In addition studies have consistently shown that the benefits of breastfeeding last well into adulthood too. Mother produces milk specifically suited for her baby. Breast milk is a complex, living, biological fluid which contains just the right amounts of nutrients, in the right proportions. It is rich in immunoglobulins, enzymes, hormones, growth factors, macrophages, etc. Babies learn to regulate temperature and maintain stable breathing and heart rate while breastfeeding. Lactose in human milk enhances calcium absorption and metabolizes into galactose and glucose, which supplies energy to infant’s rapidly growing brain. Human milk contains numerous long-chain fatty acids including DHA and ARA. These lipids are responsible for cell membrane integrity in the brain, retinas and other parts of the baby’s body. Breastmilk contains a lot of
Post a Comment
Read more