The Nuances of Breastfeeding

Quite simply, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for the mother and the baby. Any period of breastfeeding, however short, will benefit the baby, but the maximum benefits are gained by feeding breast milk and nothing else until around six months, and them continuing to breast feed after solids are introduced until the baby is a year or more old.

It is strongly advocated that by deciding to breastfeed, the mother will be giving the child the best possible start in life.

Benefits for child

• Breast milk is different from formula milk as it contains substances like antibodies that cannot be manufactured in formula milk. Antibodies help to protect the baby from infection and stimulate the baby’s immune systemdefine.

• Breast milk contains all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins in the correct proportion.

• Since there is no foreign protein in mother’s milk, risk of allergy does not occur.

• Breast fed babies are less likely to be overweight.

• Breast fed babies have a healthier jaw development.

• Research shows better mental development in breast fed babies.

• Breastfeeding may even continue to protect child’s heath when they grow up, making them less prone to conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and heart problems.

Benefits for Mother

• Breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk of breast cancerdefine, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

• Breastfeeding helps get back to pre-pregnancy weight and shape more easily. It takes care of extra fat and also hastens the shrinking of the womb to its normal size.

• Breast milk is always available, with the right ingredients, at the right temperature.

• Though not foolproof, breast feeding has a contraceptive significance and it helps in spacing childbirth.

• It gives the mother a sense of completion and achievement.