Breastfeeding is a much-celebrated tradition that has survived through the ages as an effective and natural way of feeding a newborn baby. Containing all the right nutrients, the needed antibodies, and bonding benefits for mother and child, breast milk has been aptly referred to as liquid gold. Yet, in addition to fulfilling hunger needs, nursing may have long-term consequences on a child’s health and development. Here are seven healthy ways in which nursing acts.
1. Immunity right from Day One
Another mode of guarding the newborns from diseases through antibodies, white blood cells, and immune boosters in breast milk is infections. These help to ward off some common illnesses like colds, ear infections, and respiratory disorders, and act best in the first few months when the immune system is still building up.
2. Chronic Conditions
Breastfeeding lessens the odds for babies of developing chronic conditions later in life, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma, and obesity. The natural composition of breast milk works to foster a healthier metabolic development.
3. Cognitive Development
Breast milk has all the right fatty acids, including DHA, which are vital for brain and vision development. Research indicates that breastfed children may, during their school years, score higher on cognitive and IQ tests.
4. Maintaining Healthy Weight
Breastfeeding helps babies and mothers to establish breastfeeding patterns—a natural feeding mechanism by which babies regulate their own appetites. Overfeeding a breastfeeding infant is difficult, thereby decreasing the possibility of inappropriate weight gain or obesity during childhood or adulthood.
5. Guts that Feel Good
Pro- and prebiotics from breast milk help create a healthy gut microbiome. This aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients while reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems and allergies.
6. Protection against Allergies and Eczema
Full-term breastfeeding for a period of six months reduces the chances of acquiring allergies, asthma, and even eczema. The immune protective properties assist the body in mounting an effective defense against potential allergens.
7. Enhancing Emotional Bonding
Breastfeeding is not really just a feeding choice but a step towards long term health for a child. Families are all different journeys, families may vary in how much or even if a mother is breastfeeding for whatever reason. Equipped with the right information enables parents to make the choice that works for them. There is no right or wrong path and feeding can be exclusively breastfeeding, a combination of breastfeeding and formula milk, or completely formula milk. In the end all that matters is that a child is shown love, care and nourishment so they can begin life on the right foot.
ALSO READ: Nepal’s First Breast Milk Bank to Save Newborn Lives
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