Breastfeeding: A Lifeline for both Mother and Baby

Breastfeeding is essential not only for the baby but also for the mother. Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding can help in deciding what is correct for the generations. 

If the mother is not ready to breastfeed the baby, she is not aware of enough information regarding it. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for two years and longer because the benefits continue too long. 

To all the working women, read the blog “Tips for Indian Working Moms to Breastfeed Comfortably in Public” for all the

Formula milk does not provide the same benefits as breastfeeding and cannot have the potential to protect against illness and other diseases.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for the Baby

Breast milk meets all the nutritional needs

Medical experts recommend that breastfeeding has more advantages in the long run, so feeding a baby for more than six months can have more chances of boosting their energy.

• Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs in the correct proportions. Its composition changes according to their requirements, especially during the first month.
• In the initial days, breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It is rich in proteins, has low sugar levels and contains high nutrients, irreplaceable by any formula.
• Colostrum helps in developing the immature baby. After a few days, they produce large amounts of milk, ideal for the baby.
• The only nutrient absent in breast milk is Vitamin D, so doctors prescribe Vitamin D drops for newborns.

Breast milk contains essential nutrients.

This miracle milk contains antibodies that help the baby fight viruses and bacteria.

• Colostrum provides a large amount of antibodies. When the body is open to viruses and bacteria, these antibodies are released, providing immunity.
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA), one of the crucial presences in Colostrum, protects the sick baby with a protection layer in the baby’s nose, throat and digestive tract. 
• The formula doesn’t provide protection, and babies without breast milk are vulnerable to more health issues like diarrhea, infection and pneumonia.

Exclusive Breastfeeding reduces disease risks

Exclusive breastfeeding involves feeding the baby only with breast milk, reducing the risk of many diseases. 

• Middle ear infections: Exclusive breastfeeding protects the baby against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections.
• Cold and other infections: Breastfeeding exclusively for six months may lower the risk of severe colds and ear infections.
• Gut infections: Exclusive breastfeeding is related to a reduction in gut infections.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Diabetes: Breastfeeding is related to a lower risk of type 1 and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for Mother

It helps in reducing weight

The most common thing mothers hear is that breastfeeding helps them lose weight.

• It burns more calories, and in three months of lactation, lactating mothers experience fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers. 

Breastfeeding contracts the uterus

During pregnancy, the uterus grows and expands from a smaller size to fill almost an entire abdomen.

• Through a process called involution, the uterus returns to its previous size. Oxytocin, one of the pregnancy hormones, helps the uterus in this process.
• Due to the excess amount of Oxytocin present in the body, it helps in bonding with the newborn. 
• It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping it return to its size. 

Exclusive Breastfeeding reduces disease risks

Breastfeeding is not helpful just for the baby but also for the mother. It provides long term protection against many diseases.

• It helps with breast cancer and ovarian cancer
• They tend to have a low risk from 
  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • High blood fats
  • Type 2 diabetes

The benefits are so numerous that many gynecologists recommend it for everyone for as long as possible, barring medical problems that prevent it.

It’s always the best start if the mother is opting for breast milk if they can. No matter what decision they take, Lotus Hospital always guides them to correct methods and choices. 

Book an appointment now!