Benefits of Breastfeeding the Baby
Human milk contains (a)Antimicrobial agents (b) Anti-inflammatory agents, (c) mmunologic stimulating agents and (d) regulating substances. These include immunoglobulins (immunity boosters), hormones, antioxidants and maternal immune cells. Breast milk also contains all the nutrients that your little one requires to grow such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals; the perfect food for your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life offers stronger protective effects.
Human milk reduces the risk of developing the following medical conditions in infants and children:
• Non-specific gastroenteritis (infections of the mucous membrane of stomach & intestines).
• Severe lower respiratory tract infections.
• Atopic dermatitis (skin conditions).
• Asthma (in young children).
• Childhood overweight and obesity. Longer breastfeeding duration lowers the odds of the child being overweight. Additionally, breastfed infants regulate their food intake according to caloric needs.
• Lymphoma, leukaemia, and Hodgkins.
• Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
• Acute otitis media (ear infections).
• Late-onset sepsis in preterm infants.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Reduces morbidity and mortality rates.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Additionally, human milk enhances visual acuity (better vision).
Read more on preparing to breastfeed on our previous article.
