- By Priyanka Munshi
- Sat, 05 Aug 2023 01:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Mothers feed their babies directly during breastfeeding, which is a normal and important practice. Both the mother and the baby can greatly benefit from it. The infant's immune system is strengthened by the essential nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk, thereby protecting them from a variety of diseases and infections.
Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional connection between a mother and her child, fostering feelings of security and warmth. Breastfeeding aids the mother's recuperation after childbirth and lowers her risk of contracting certain illnesses, such as breast cancer. It is one of the most surreal and private experiences that benefits the mother's and the baby's general wellbeing and health, according to the World Health Organization.
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It's crucial to remember that not all mothers are able to or should want to breastfeed for a variety of personal or medical reasons. In such circumstances, alternate feeding techniques can still ensure that the infant receives the right nutrition for their growth and development. So here we have curated some of the amazing health benefits of breastfeeding for the baby.
Benefits Of Breastfeeding
Enhanced Brain Development
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an essential fatty acid that is abundant in breast milk and is important for brain development, is one of these fatty acids. According to studies, infants who are breastfed typically have somewhat higher IQs and better cognitive development than those who are formula-fed, according to the WebMD.
Emotional Bonding
Breastfeeding fosters a special emotional connection between mother and child. During nursing, skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and physical proximity all contribute to the development of a strong bond that fosters the child's mental stability and wellbeing.
Convenience And Cost-Effectiveness
Breast milk is easily available, always at the ideal temperature, and doesn't need to be sterilized or prepared, making it convenient and cost-effective. In addition to making breastfeeding easier, this also saves parents money and time that would otherwise be spent on formula, bottles, and related accessories,according to WebMD.
Benefits For The Environment
Compared to the production, transportation, and disposal of formula containers, breastfeeding produces no waste or pollution.
Highest and Lowest Breastfeeding Rates
South Asian nations have the highest exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants up to five months old, at 57 percent, according to data gathered by UNICEF. The second-highest breastfeeding rates are found in Eastern and Southern Africa, where the rate is 55 percent, followed by Eastern Europe and Central Asia (41 percent), Latin America and the Caribbean (37 percent), and West and Central Africa (37 percent). In the Middle East and North Africa, 33 percent of neonates are exclusively breastfed.
Which Country Has The Highest Breastfeeding Rate?
The world's highest breastfeeding rate is in Croatia. According to the World population review, in more than 98 percent of cases, all babies receive breastfeeding beginning at birth. Burundi, Chile, Rwanda, and Burundi are a few of the other nations with extremely high breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding rates are above 80% in each of these nations.
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So Here Are The Names Of The Top 10 Countries That Have The Highest Breastfeeding Rates, As Per The World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Cuba
- Gambia
- Bolivia
- Turkey
- Niger
- Kenya
- Kuwait
As per the same list India stands at number 79.