Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mother And Baby; Expert Explains Importance Of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2024: Did you know that breastfeeding has several major benefits for both mother and child, including strengthening their physical and emotional bond and maintaining optimal health? Breast milk is the best food source for a baby, providing the right amount of fats, proteins, and vitamins for healthy growth and development. Additionally, it contains a lot of antibodies, which help defend the baby against bacteria and viruses, lowering the risk of infections and illnesses like diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections. Moreover, breastfed newborns are less likely to develop chronic illnesses, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers later in life.

There are also several health benefits of breastfeeding for women. It decreases postpartum hemorrhage by speeding up the uterus's contraction and helping it return to its pre-pregnancy size. In addition to burning extra calories, breastfeeding can help women lose pregnancy weight more quickly.

Furthermore, it has been linked to a decreased incidence of osteoporosis later in life, as well as breast and ovarian cancers. The hormone oxytocin, released during nursing, fosters emotional stability and a sense of closeness, reducing the likelihood of postpartum depression. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Priyanka Suhag, a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, discussed the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child.

Breastfeeding benefits both mother and child, providing numerous health advantages and bolstering their enduring relationship.(Image Credit: File Image)

According to Dr. Priyanka Suhag, breastfeeding offers unparalleled benefits for both the mother and the child, playing a crucial role in their health and well-being.

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Benefit Of Breastfeeding For The Child:

1. Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk is uniquely composed to meet the infant's nutritional needs, providing an ideal balance of vitamins, proteins, and fats.
2. Immune Support: Rich in antibodies, breast milk enhances the baby’s immune system, protecting against infections and diseases such as ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea.
3. Developmental Benefits: Breastfeeding is linked to better cognitive development and a lower risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers later in life.

Benefit Of Breastfeeding For The Mother:

1. Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery by promoting uterine contractions, reducing postpartum bleeding, and helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
2. Bonding And Emotional Health: The physical closeness during breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child, releasing oxytocin, which enhances maternal affection and emotional well-being.
3. Health Benefits: Long-term, breastfeeding lowers the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

In conclusion, Dr. Priyanka Suhag emphasized that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of public health, offering extensive benefits that underscore the need for supportive environments and informed dietary choices during this critical period.