Benefits of Breastfeeding for the mother and the baby

Breastfeeding - Right way of breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding is a unique way of providing ideal nutrition for your baby's development. It is a source of food that the child gets within the first hour of his/her life. It is important that the mothers ensure that colostrum (yellow-colored fluid has amazing properties that nourish your baby in the first few days of life) should be the first feed for her baby.

What is special breastfeeding?

Special breastfeeding means that the baby receives milk only from his mother's breast without any extra food or drink. This is the best nutrition for the child. According to WHO, 6 months of special breastfeeding have the best and high-quality meal for the babies. After this, babies should be fed with breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or older and supplementary feeding should be provided to them for their growth and development. WHO estimates that nearly 2,20,000 children can be saved with exclusive breastfeeding every year. At present, only 40% of children under six months of age are breastfed especially globally.

Why is Breastfeeding best for your baby?

Breast milk protects the child from many diseases and infections. It also helps to save the baby from infectious and chronic diseases. It also reduces the chances of having pneumonia and diarrhea in babies. The babies who breastfeed abundantly the chances of having major diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are also reduced.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for mother

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the child but as well as for the mother. Breastfeeding women greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. It is a natural method of birth control that provides 98% protection in the first six months after birth. This process also helps in reducing the weight of women after delivery.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breast milk is best for your baby and breastfeeding not only nourishes the baby but it is beneficial for the babies in many ways.

The Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) advises that the baby take exclusive breastfeeding only for the first six months of his/her birth. After that, you start giving solid food to them along with breastfeeding. Even after starting the solid diet in about six months, you can continue breastfeeding for the baby. The World Health Organization and the Health Ministry advise the child to continue breastfeeding until two years of age. Nutrients present in breast milk will continue to benefit them.

How breastfeeding is beneficial for a baby?

• Breast milk is the best diet of nature for babies and it is easily digested.

• Breastfeeding helps the baby to keep their body temperature normal. It also strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby.

• Breast milk helps to fight infections. It contains antibodies, which protect babies from problems such as gastroenteritis, cold, cough, chest infection and ear infections, etc.

• Breast milk has been found to be important for babies with premature birth and low birth weight. Compared to formula milk, it is easier for the baby to digest breast milk.

• It also protects your baby from infection, especially with intestinal and lung infections. These infections can be quite serious for premature babies.

• Breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are very essential in the development of the baby's brain.

How often to breastfeed newborns?

For this, the mother may have to feed their babies at least 8 to 12 times a day. After four months, the child needs 8-13 breastfeeding sessions per day. After 6 months feeds are reduced from 4 to 6 times per day.

How to increase breast milk supply?

To increase the supply of milk don't take the stress and include healthy food and fruits in your daily diet. 

Also, read other health-related articles :

• Pregnancy at 40 weeks - Symptoms, Ultrasound, Baby Development, Baby Size, Childbirth and Signs of Labor

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Newborn baby care guide - Tips on Feeding, Burping, Breathing, Diapering, Massaging, Bathing & Sleeping 

• 5 ways to take the right care for going to be the first time mother

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.