Blessings and Benefits of Breastfeeding

The feeding of an infant with breast milk directly from human breasts is called breastfeeding.  A woman’s breasts have milk glands in them which get triggered when she is pregnant and the process of producing milk is set in motion. Babies have sucking ability which makes it possible for them to suck and swallow milk. Human breast-milk has been considered the healthiest form of milk for human babies. Unless the mother is taking certain drugs or is infected with tuberculosis or HIV, she’s advised by experts to prefer breastfeeding her child as it promotes health and that too inexpensively. Artificial feeding has been discouraged on serious grounds as it causes deaths from diarrhea in infants. The length of breastfeeding could be debatable a sector but there is no controversy on its significance.

It’s been recommended that babies should be breast-fed for at least 12 months, and afterwards for as long as the mom the baby mutually desire. You would hear many notions about period of breast-feeding from around, but the fact of the matter is no fixed rules could be set up as to when to stop breast-feeding. Generally and broadly speaking a baby needs breast milk for the first year of life, and then as long as desired after that.  For those touchy and overly fashionable women it’s vital to be aware of the benefits of breast-feeding. They must know that breast-milk is simply irreplaceable as it contains antibodies that can't be engineered. It’s been observed that breast-fed babies turn out to be stronger than formula-fed babies and also they get fewer colds and sinus and ear infections. Experts on the subject have pointed out that this breast-fed lot also has less diarrhea and constipation. The chance of having allergies too is almost rare in its case.  Breastfeeding is, therefore, the most natural and beneficial acts a mother does for her baby.  It’s a symbol of protection of an infant at birth and a guaranteed medicine against a number of childhood diseases. The advantages are, in fact, incalculable.

Nevertheless, there is increasing tendency towards being deceived by the idea of using formula as its perfect replacement. And hence mother’s milk is often thought of as unnecessary.  Many ignorant and naive mothers are erroneously led to believe that formula can give all what’s contained in a mother’s milk.  They must not be oblivious of the fact that breast-milk is nature’s formula and is hence the one and only source for ensuring quality of life for infants, from childhood to adult life. It’s now a proven fact that its properties cannot be duplicated. It’s an amazing, natural occurrence that has remained in practice since the origin of life as a way to feed babies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both have recommended mother’s milk and have warned seriously against artificial feeding.

We have, quite painstakingly, sorted out a few major benefits of breastfeeding, hoping that young mothers will both be enlightened and feel inspired by them.

Benefits your child receives from breastfeeding

·         Breast-milk has the most complete mix of nutrients & antibodies.

·         Its composition ensures the infant's individual growth on solid grounds.

·         Incidences of vomiting and diarrhea are just rare if the child is being mother-fed.

·         Breast-milk reduces the risk of  constipation and other stomach upsets

·         Childhood diabetes is also prevented.

·         Decreased risk of respiratory problem , pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections and blood poisoning

·         It’s a sure protection against ear infections.

·         It protects the child from allergies.  

·         No fear of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)! Statistics have revealed that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.

·         Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)

·         Facial structure development is promoted.

·         Speech and vision are enhanced.

·          Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development.

·         Nursing reduces risk of heart disease later in life.

·         Breast-milk increases bone density.

·         It also plays an important role in the emotional development of babies.

·         Such babies enjoy better emotional relationship with their mothers.

·         Risk of childhood obesity is also reduced