In the search for an infant food that is most hygienic and most nutritious needed for a healthy growth you will not get a better option than breast milk. No other food on the earth can substitute or be as healthy as the first milk from the mother.
Though almost all the mothers know the benefits related to breastfeeding, these days a majority of new moms hesitate to breastfeed their babies and tend to depend up on formula milk and ready-made baby foods available on market. According to experts this tendency can prove to be harmful both for the baby and the mother.
Experts from the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends new moms to exclusively breastfeed healthy babies until sixth month as Formula Milk is not as effective as breast milk in preventing many illness among babies.
This week (Aug 1-7) is World Breast Feeding Week and following are some benefits of breast milk provided by womenshealth.gov:
Strengthens Baby's Immunity System
Early breast milk is precious. At the time of birth, babies possess an immature immunity system. Colostrum or the first thick yellow milk contains nutrients and antibodies to strengthen the baby's immunity.
Breast milk changes according to baby's growth needs
No artificial infant feeds can compete with the benefits provided by breast milk as breast milk can balance and manage the amount and type of immune factors needed for the baby as the babies grow. Two or three days after birth, Colostrum changes into mature milk that contains the required amount of fat, sugar, water and protein for baby's growth.
Easy to digest
Breast milk digests easily than formula milk.
Fights illness
Breast milk contains cells, hormones and antibodies required to protect babies from diseases. It can reduce the risks associated with childhood lukemia, skin rashes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Ear infections and diarrhea are more common among formula-fed babies. Formula fed babies are also at a higher risk of asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, lower respiratory infections and infections of gastrointestinal tract.
Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. It reduces the daily efforts of sterilizing bottles and nipples and can save money. The skin -to-skin contact needed during breastfeeding increases mother's oxytocin, a hormone that help the milk flow and calm the mother. It also reduces the risk of the mother having diseases like type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression.
