What are the advantages of breast milk? What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers? Breast milk for the baby is the most useful food source. Breast milk contains all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins the baby needs, and each breast milk is different. The mother’s body produces breast milk according to the needs of the baby. Breast milk has a lethal effect on many micro-organisms, and thanks to the special enzymes, it contains, it provides natural immunity to babies. Breast milk, in general, has numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Here, we will explain the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby in the following text.
Breast Milk Benefits For Baby
Breastmilk, which starts to be secreted from the mother with the birth of the baby, is a valuable food source that meets all the needs of the baby except vitamin D. Therefore, breastfeeding plays a significant role in the development of the baby. The components found in breast milk protect the baby from infections and diseases. The human body digests the proteins found in breast milk more easily.
#1) Strengthens the baby: Experts see breast milk as the main reason for the baby to be a healthy individual. Breast milk protects the baby from viruses, pneumonia, and colds. It has been proven by scientific research that breast-fed infants are more resistant to infectious diseases. Breast milk contains substances that are not found in nature and protect the baby against many diseases. The substances contained in breast milk strengthen the baby’s immune system and prevent the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes in later life.
#2) Reduces the risk of sudden infant mortality: The risk of sudden death is 50 percent less in breast-fed infants.
#3) Prevents diarrhea: Breastfed infants have fewer infections and diarrhea. Infant mortality due to diarrhea is three times less common in breastfed infants than in infants.
#4) Reduces respiratory diseases: The risk of respiratory diseases in infants fed with breast milk is much lower than in infants fed with formula.
#5) Reduces weight problems: Breast milk protects the baby against obesity in the future.
#6) Supports brain development: Breast milk strengthens the brain development of infants. Research has shown that breast-fed infants have a higher IQ. In these studies, the problem-solving skills of the children who were breastfed are more developed than the other babies.
Breastfeeding Benefits For Mother
Breastfeeding helps the mother to recover faster. When breastfeeding, hormones such as oxytocin produced by the body accelerate the return of the uterus to its normal state and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Breastfeeding delays the menstrual cycle, preventing pregnancy again. Breastfeeding also helps to lose weight they got during pregnancy.
#1) Provides emotional satisfaction: During lactation, a hormone called prolactin is secreted in women. This hormone makes the woman feel a sense of motherhood. The oxytocin hormone secreted during breastfeeding helps the woman to feel intense love and connect to the baby. These hormones release emotional satisfaction to the mother and prevent stress, depression, and anxiety.
#2) Reduces the risk of breast cancer: Studies have shown that women who breastfeed their baby for a sufficient period have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Click here to learn more about breast cancer.
#3) Reduces the risk of uterine cancer: The risk of uterine cancer in women breastfeed is very low. Low estrogen levels reduce urge and stimulation in the uterine and chest tissues. Thus, the possibility of cancer of these tissues is reduced.
#4) Strengthens the bones of the mother: In women who breastfeed their babies for a long time, the risk of bone resorption decreases after menopause. Research has shown that breastfeeding leads women to have a stronger bone structure 6 months after breastfeeding.
#5) Preventing diseases: Many scientific studies are showing that breastfeeding reduces the risk of disease in women. According to the results of these studies, breastfeeding protects the mother against many health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, type two diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Each mother’s milk is unique to her baby. There are differences in the nutritional values between the milk of a mother with a 1-month-old baby and a mother with a six-month-old baby. In other words, your body produces the most suitable milk for your baby. Breast milk is the best and most natural food for babies. Breast milk alone can meet the needs of all healthy babies born at a normal birth week for six months. It is recommended that breastfeeding is continued for at least a year after 6 months with the appropriate supplementary foods.
