The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

Breast milk is the perfect baby food providing the optimal nutrition- proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and water in the right quantity to meet the growth and developmental needs of babies up to 4-6 months of age. Breastfeeding not only boosts your newborn's physical and mental development, but  also protects your own health. Read more about the advantages of breastfeeding for Mom and Baby.

 Advantages of breastfeeding for Baby

• It provides important antibodies-  Babies receive live, immediate and lifelong immunities from breast milk which helps them fight infections and allergies. Colostrum (first breast milk) provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA) which protects your baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system. 

• It provides ideal nutrition to babies- Breast milk contains everything a baby needs for the first 6 months of their life. During the first days after birth, the pre milk called Colostrum is secreted. It’s a thick and yellowish fluid, high in protein and low in sugar, loaded with beneficial compounds which helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract to develop. It’s pretty amazing to observe that your quality and quantity of milk supply will fluctuate based on your baby’s demand to meet those requirements.

• Lessens the risk of SIDS- Although the connection is unclear but Breastfeeding can reduce your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While the research shows that breastfeeding as little as two months cuts the risk of SIDS in half.
• Brings you close to your baby- Breastfeeding allows babies to feel like home as they’ve known while in the womb. Little things like hearing your heartbeat and feeling your warmth will help her become more aware and comfortable to the outer world.

• Reduces disease risks- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in breast milk, helps support proper brain development, reduces the risk of developing middle ear infections and diabetes, since there’s no artificial sugar in breast milk. 

 Advantages of breastfeeding for New Moms