Caring for and nurturing a newborn baby is overwhelming. It is the initial nourishment and care that determines the overall health of a baby. The very first and the most important step of infant care is breastfeeding. Breast milk is considered as the magic potion that is enriched with disease-fighting substances that are essential so a baby’s immune becomes strong. It is most suitable for newborns and its benefits extend well beyond the basic nutrition that a baby needs.
Breast milk contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that a baby needs and mothers are advised to breastfeed their newborns for at least six months. A baby needs its first feed within a few hours of its arrival. This feed is considered as the most important feed for the sustenance of a baby.
Breast Milk for the Baby’s Health
Pediatricians and child care specialists recommend that an infant should receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. This is because of the numerous benefits of breast milk. Some of these benefits are:
- Breast milk has all the essential nutrients in proper proportions.
- Breast milk is capable of protecting against sickness, allergies, and obesity.
- It protects against infections.
- Breast milk is easily digested and does not cause constipation, diarrhea or stomach upset.
- Babies who are breastfed have enhanced IQ.
- Healthier weights.
- Breast milk is readily available wherever the baby needs it.
- Mothers don’t have to worry about its temperature. Breast milk always has the right temperature.
- It is clean.
- Mothers don’t have to worry about the bottles to clean.
The best thing about breast milk is that it constantly changes to meet the needs of a baby. A mother’s milk changes in volume and composition depending on the time of day, age of the baby and nursing frequency, in order to promote healthy growth. This makes breast milk perfect for your baby.
Breast Milk: Always Ready, Always Available
- Breast milk is readily available wherever the baby needs it.
- Mothers don’t have to worry about its temperature. Breast milk always has the right temperature.
- It is clean.
Mothers don’t have to worry about the bottles to clean.
While it is essential for infants, breastfeeding is also good for mothers. Mothers who breastfeed have:
- Reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- They are less likely to get certain cancers
- It is easier for them to return to their previous weight
- Breastfeeding strengthen the bond of a mother and child
Apart from this, breastfeeding mothers also have reduced stress levels and their risk of postpartum depression is also less. Research has proved that women who don’t breastfeed or those who have stopped breastfeeding very early are at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression. Nursing triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone makes women feel more relaxed while breastfeeding.
The first week of August is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. Different organizations from more than 120 countries come up with novel ideas to spread awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. WBW unites moms across the globe in achieving global sustainability goals.
Are you a new mother having doubts about child care? Leave your concerns at our doorstep, and enter Apollo. Our team of childcare specialists are well capable of handling all aspects of childcare. Our team includes surgeons, pediatric neonatologistsand nutritionists. Apollo group of hospitals offers excellent pediatric care that is powered by latest technological and medical advances. The health care major has made it easy to book appointments with it online portal called Ask Apollo. Log on to find the most efficient professionals in your city.
