Breastfeeding



Benefits of Breastfeeding for Child and Mother

Introduction to Breastfeeding

Mother's milk is the most appropriate and natural food for the baby during the first months of life because it provides the nutrients it needs for proper growth and development, while perfectly suited to their digestive function. Breast milk adapts each time the baby's needs and that's different with time, changing in the same woman over the months of breastfeeding. It is important to know that colostrum (milk of the first 6 days) is different from mature milk secreted from the fifteen days. It contains lots of protein and vitamins, plus many more immunoglobulins "defenses" to protect the baby against many infections. Although initially segregated in low volume, is enough to feed the baby. The composition of the milk varies also along the same feedings at first contains more protein and water and finally the fats. One of the most important properties of breast milk is to protect the baby against infections such as diarrhea, respiratory infections (colds, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), otitis, etc.., Since during the first year of its defenses are not fully developed. Similarly, immunological problems (allergies, asthma, leukemia, diabetes, chronic intestinal diseases) are less frequent or delay its onset in children who are breastfeeding. Breast milk takes the baby is always ready and suitable temperature, presented in a sanitary condition at all times. Breastfeeding develops a close bond between mother and son, giving the baby comfort, affection, companionship and security, and helping the mother in their personal development.

Child Benefits

Full Board

The child should grow very rapidly during the first year of life. Breast milk is the ideal fuel for this growth. It provides complete nutrition for your child in the first 6 months. Quick and easy to digest, it contains the most appropriate protein and fat for your baby and in the right quantity, enough vitamins and iron, enough water for your child, even at a very hot climate, sufficient amount of calcium and phosphorus, if breastfeeding does not need a multivitamin. Take these vitamins for yourself if your diet is not enough fruits, vegetables and other foods (Spencer, 2008).

Protection against infections

Studies have shown that in developing countries, children who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die from diarrhea, 4 times more likely to die from respiratory diseases, and 2.5 times greater than for other infections, compared with children exclusively breastfed. Breast milk increases the child's immune response to certain vaccines. Breastfeeding helps the child recover more quickly after an illness.

Less Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema are less common in breastfed infants. In the milk of mothers who give birth prematurely (before time) has a different composition compared with mothers who delivered at the expected time. Nevertheless, in both cases, the milk is ideally suited for their children (The puerperium, 2010).

Advantages for the mother

Breastfeeding promotes the recovery of women after childbirth to make the uterus contract more rapidly and blood loss after childbirth ends before. It has also been seen that is a ...