Quick Answer: Breastfeeding (stanpan) offers unmatched benefits for both you and your baby. For baby: protection against infections, better brain development, and reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. For mother: faster recovery, weight loss, and protection against breast cancer and diabetes. Whether you breastfeed for 1 month or 2 years, every drop of maa ka doodh counts!
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Watch: Benefits of Breast Milk for Baby & Mother | Why Breastfeeding is Important? #breastfeeding #newmom
Maa ka doodh is nature's perfect food, designed specifically for human babies. Here's what makes it unique:
Reassurance for new mothers: Even if breastfeeding feels difficult initially, any amount helps. Formula-fed babies also thrive - fed is best! But if you can breastfeed, your body is making something truly special.
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Breastfed babies have significantly lower rates of:
Immediate protection:
| Condition | Risk Reduction |
|---|---|
| Ear infections | 50% lower |
| Respiratory infections | 63% lower |
| Diarrhea and vomiting | 64% lower |
| Bacterial meningitis | 52% lower |
| SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) | 36% lower |
Long-term protection:
Indian context: In India, where diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections are common, breastfeeding provides crucial protection. Exclusively breastfed babies have significantly lower hospitalization rates.
Breast milk is rich in:
Studies show: Breastfed children tend to score higher on cognitive tests and have better school performance.
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| **Proteins (whey, casein)** | Easy to digest, promotes growth |
| **Fats** | 50% of calories, essential for brain |
| **Carbohydrates (lactose)** | Energy, feeds good gut bacteria |
| **Antibodies (IgA, IgG)** | Fight infections, build immunity |
| **White blood cells** | Active immune protection |
| **Growth factors** | Gut development, maturation |
The magic: Breast milk composition changes throughout the day, and as baby grows. Morning milk differs from evening milk!
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Immediate benefits:
Note: Don't diet while breastfeeding! Your body needs calories to make milk. The weight comes off naturally.
Breastfeeding significantly reduces mother's risk of:
| Disease | Risk Reduction |
|---|---|
| Breast cancer | 22% lower (longer = better) |
| Ovarian cancer | 24% lower |
| Endometrial cancer | Lower risk |
| Type 2 diabetes | 28% lower |
| Cardiovascular disease | Lower risk |
| High blood pressure | Lower risk |
| Osteoporosis | Stronger bones long-term |
The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protection!
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The one nutrient breast milk doesn't provide enough of is Vitamin D.
Recommendation:
This doesn't mean breast milk is incomplete - just that babies historically got Vitamin D from sunlight, which isn't safe or practical today.
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Studies suggest breastfed children may have slightly higher IQ scores and better cognitive development. However:
The benefits go beyond IQ - immune protection, bonding, and overall health are equally important.
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Sometimes exclusive breastfeeding isn't possible due to:
Remember:
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A: WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond. However, any duration provides benefits.
A: Breast changes are caused by pregnancy itself, not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding doesn't cause additional sagging.
A: Yes! Many mothers successfully pump at work and continue breastfeeding. Start building a milk stash 2-3 weeks before returning.
A: Formula is a safe alternative and babies thrive on it. However, breast milk contains living cells, antibodies, and components that formula cannot replicate.
A: Yes! Frequent feeding is normal, especially in the first weeks. Breast milk digests quickly (1.5-2 hours), and frequent feeds help build supply.
A: Usually yes! Your milk will contain antibodies that protect your baby. Check with your doctor about any medications.
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
Need breastfeeding support? Book a lactation consultation on Babynama - we're here to help!
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