Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both baby and mom. For babies, it provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and promotes healthy growth and development. For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and fosters a deep emotional bond with their baby. Read our blog to understand more.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby
Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood. Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies
- Most healthcare professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months or much longer. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs for the first 6 months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during the first month of life.
- Your breasts generate colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid, in the initial days after birth. It is rich in healthy components, low in sugar, and abundant in protein. It’s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula. Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.
- Vitamin D is perhaps the only thing missing from your magical milk supply.Your breast milk won't supply enough unless you consume a lot of it, which isn't the case for most of us. Drops of vitamin D are typically advised.
Breast milk contains important antibodies
- Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
- Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months. This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies.
