There is a long list of Eyeopening Benefits of Breastfeeding for Newborn. It provides babies with essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin D, that they may not get through other sources. . Breast milk also protects against illnesses like ear infections and respiratory tract infections. It keeps the baby’s gut health and provides relief for common symptoms of colic. Breastfeeding can be done in many ways including nursing, pumping, or supplementing with formula. A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that breastfeeding exclusively for six months can reduce a child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure later in life. Additionally, breast milk is more easily digested than formula and help mothers to maintain a healthy weight. Breastfeeding also produces the hormone oxytocin which helps with bonding between mother and baby. Following are some eyeopening benefits of breastfeeding for newborn:
1- Breastfeeding for Weight Control:
Studies have been done to quantify the benefits of breast milk on a child’s physical development. One study found that children who were breastfed gained about 50% more weight than those who were not. This may be because human milk is more nutritious than formula, which is processed and has less protein content. Human milk also contains hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which are thought to promote growth, as well as factors like lactoferrin, which help develop healthy gut bacteria. Other studies show that breastfeeding babies during the first six months can lower their risk of becoming obese by 7%. Breastfeeding for longer periods of time (anywhere from 12-36 months) seems to reduce this risk even further.
2- Breastfeeding for Strong Immune System:
The benefits of breastfeeding are many, but one that has not been talked about is immunity. Breastfeeding can give a newborn’s immune system a head start before it is exposed to the millions of bacteria that are in our environment. Breastfeeding a newborn promotes a stronger immune system. Breast milk contains many antibodies which leave the baby’s gastrointestinal tract and enter their bloodstream. These antibodies, or immunoglobulin A, target any foreign pathogens that may make their way into the baby’s body to prevent infection. In addition, breast milk has been found to protect against asthma, hay fever, and other allergies by promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
3- Breastfeeding for Brain Development:
It has been scientifically proven that breastfeeding can help promote brain development in infants. The benefits of breast milk for brain development are not limited to the effect on the infant’s brain. Research has shown that breastfeeding can also significantly improve the cognitive ability and IQ of children. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop behavioral problems as they grow older. The duration and frequency of breastfeeding affect the child’s intelligence quotient or IQ score. It provides many nutrients for the baby, including omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for healthy brain development.
4- Breastfeeding for Leukemia Prevention:
Childhood leukemia is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality rate. Breastfeeding during infancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of childhood leukemia, but it does not decrease the severity of the disease in those that develop it. In fact, breastfeeding is the only known prevention for this type of cancer in children. Evidence suggests that by providing breastmilk from birth until six months old, an infant will incur a lower risk of developing leukemia.
In a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, the incidence of childhood leukemia is lower in children that were breastfed for at least 4 months. For instance, there were only 1.8 cases per 100,000 children who had been breastfed for a year or more as compared to 4.2 cases per 100,000 children who never breastfed. The study also found that breastfeeding lessened the risk of developing the disease by as much as 9%. In another study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin, it was found that children who were breastfed for at least six months had a 40% lower risk of developing leukemia than those who were not. Additionally, they found children who were breastfed for at least 18 months had an 80% lower risk.
5- Breastfeeding for Diabetes Prevention:
Breastfeeding is now recognized as an important tool for diabetes prevention. Studies have shown that children who are breastfed are less likely to develop diabetes in their older age. Breastmilk contains many beneficial factors that can help protect against diabetes, such as insulin, hormones, and fatty acids. Several studies have also found that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity in children, which is another factor related to diabetes development. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of diabetes by 30% in both mothers and children.
6- Breastfeeding for Healthy Digestive System:
A healthy digestive system is important for overall health. One way to ensure that you have a healthy digestive system is to breastfeed your child. Breastfeeding has many benefits, including the transmission of antibodies that promote healthy digestion. These antibodies can help prevent and fight off infections such as rotavirus, diarrheal infections, and potentially even stomach ulcers. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months and continued breastfeeding until the age of two or beyond. For a healthy digestive system, it is necessary to have a balanced diet and healthy gut bacteria. Breastfeeding is one way to help both of these things stay in balance. Breast milk contains components that help stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. This helps to maintain the balance in your system with less risk of developing an infection in the gut.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding is the best way to care for a baby and provides many benefits to both mother and child. The Eyeopening Benefits of Breastfeeding for Newborn include, A sense of bonding between mother and child, No need for extra water or food, Reduced risk of HIV, diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, Healthier teeth, and gums, Increased intelligence. It’s not only beneficial for babies in their younger days but they reap the benefits of mother’s milk their whole life. It is said that people who sucked their mother’s breast at birth time suffer lesser ailments.
