Breast milk is the best nutritional source for newborn babies. It contains fats, vitamins, and proteins that encourage the baby’s growth. Additionally, it has antibodies that build your baby’s immunity and helps it to fight against bacteria and viruses. Breastfeeding also helps the mother to lose her pregnancy weight and reduce uterine bleeding. Below, Dr Shivanjali Nayak, a renowned gynecologist in New town, has discussed the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and baby
For babies:
1. Reduces the risk of diseases: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first few months after delivery reduces the risk of illnesses and diseases, including some like
- Respiratory tract infections: Feeding can help reduce the chances of contracting multiple respiratory infections.
- Gut infections: As we already discussed, breast milk is highly nutritious for babies. This promotes gut health and prevents infections.
- Middle ear infections: Breastfeeding babies are protected well against sinus, middle ear, and throat infections well beyond their infant years.
- Bowel diseases: Babies who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease when they grow older.
2. Promotes healthy weight of babies: According to the best lady gynecologist in Newtown, breastfeeding prevents obesity and promotes healthy weight gain. This is due to the development of certain gut bacteria that affect fat storage. Moreover, breastfeeding babies possess leptin, a hormone that regulates fat storage and appetite.
For mothers:
- Helps the uterus to contract: During pregnancy, mothers’ uterus expand to make space for the baby. However, after delivery, a process called involution starts, which helps your uterus to return to its normal size. A hormone, oxytocin, is released during breastfeeding that promotes uterine contractions and lowers bleeding.
- Reduces the risk of diseases: Like the baby, the mother also benefits from breastfeeding in the sense that they have a lower risk of developing diseases. For instance, women who breastfeed have a lower risk for the conditions such as high blood pressure, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
For both mother and baby
It creates a special connection and strengthens the bond between the mother and baby as it enables skin-to-skin contact, stroking, and holding. Bonding during the first few years of life helps minimize the risk of developing social and behavioural problems for the child. Moreover, mothers, while breastfeeding, can start to learn the cues of their infants, which further enriches the bond.
What are the advantages of extended breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding for a year up to two years will contribute to your baby’s healthy growth and development, says the gynecologist in Newtown. For example, extended breastfeeding for at least two years, as recommended by the World Health Organization, has a positive effect on the baby’s brain development. In addition, it helps the mother to recover properly after the delivery.
The advantages for babies and mothers are alike. So, if you are a new mother and need guidance to start your breastfeeding journey, consult the top female gynecologist in Newtown.