Breast milk is the best food for the newborn.. Doctors recommend that from the moment a baby comes into the world it should be fed with breast milk, preferably directly from the breast.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding as the exclusive form of nutrition for the first 6 months of life. Then, if possible, it is better to extend it until 2 years of age, because breast milk has many benefits for the baby (and also for the mother).
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5 benefits of breastfeeding for the baby
After decades of research it has been concluded that there is nothing like breast milk.. Breastfeeding has many benefits for the baby, and breastfeeding should begin as early as the first hour of the newborn’s life.
Whenever possible, breast milk should be the baby’s first food. It is not necessary to give him any other food until certain foods are introduced later, and the best reasons for this are set out below.
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1. It is the perfect food
Breast milk is the perfect food for the baby and there is nothing else like it.. The milk from these first days is called colostrum, and this liquid is rich in nutrients and antibodies. It promotes the development of the immune system and is easily digestible.
Throughout the following months the content is adapted according to the baby’s needs at each stage. In this way, it is always an adequately nutritious food, and provides a large amount of antibodies to prevent conditions such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
2. Facilitates mother-child bonding
Breastfeeding has emotional benefits for the baby.. In the first months of life, the baby has a physiological need for physical contact and closeness with its main attachment figures, the mother being the central figure.
Breastfeeding favors this proximity, providing the baby with a sense of security. Leaving the mother’s warm womb to go out into the world can be overwhelming, and contact with the mother brings calm.
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3. Promotes proper jaw development
The sucking that the baby does when drinking breast milk favors the development of the jaw, teeth and mouth muscles.as well as the teeth and muscles of the mouth. These are involved in the work of sucking, and begin to develop and strengthen at this stage.
Taking milk from a bottle does not require as much force, and the baby has to make more passive movements. The inclination of the bottle itself can make it easier for the milk to come out.
4. Prevents obesity in the baby
A baby who is exclusively breastfed is unlikely to become overweight.. The reason is that breastfeeding is free demand, that is to say, there is a self-regulation mechanism during the first months by the baby. The baby rarely asks for more than it requires.
In addition, the milk component is always the right one, even if the mother’s diet is not the most balanced. Breast milk is always nutritious and has the precise amount of fat required by the infant.
5. Provides antibodies
One of the greatest benefits of breastfeeding for the baby is antibodies.. Throughout the entire duration of breastfeeding, milk provides the baby with the specific antibodies he or she needs.
This helps strengthen the baby’s immune system. And not only during this stage, but also for the following years. Thanks to this property, babies have fewer infections, allergies and stomach problems.
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5 benefits of breastfeeding for the mother.
Breastfeeding also favors the mother in multiple aspects.. Many of these benefits were not known, and they are undoubtedly powerful reasons that represent powerful arguments to bet on breastfeeding.
This article may be of help to expectant mothers who have some doubts on the subject. From The Feminine Guide we hope it can help convince many women that breastfeeding is beneficial for both them and their baby.
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1. Prevents breast and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.. The longer breastfeeding lasts, the less likely it is to develop breast and ovarian cancer.
This is because during breastfeeding there are changes in the breasts and ovaries. These organs are protected against the development of precancerous cells, even long after breastfeeding has ended.
2. Reduces the weight gained during pregnancy
In most cases, breastfeeding helps to lose weight.. This is because the energy and resources required for milk production cause the body to absorb stored fat, and as a result there is a decrease in weight.
The greatest weight loss occurs after the third month, and you can continue to lose weight the longer you breastfeed. For this reason it is not advisable to follow a diet to lose weight after childbirth, it is best to maintain a balanced diet.
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3. Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
Breastfeeding can help eliminate postpartum depression.. It is very comforting for the mother to live this experience, and can help boost your mood in these delicate moments.
During this process, an enormous amount of oxytocin is secreted, which helps the mother feel calm, and this decreases the possibility of depression.
4. It delays the onset of menstrual periods.
During the time that breastfeeding lasts, menstruation may disappear.. This is completely normal. Although it is not a totally effective method of contraception, the chances of pregnancy during the first 6 months are low and there is no menstruation.
However, this happens as long as the baby is exclusively breastfed and breastfeeding on demand. In some women, menstruation may be irregular and in others it may simply not appear. This is attributed to physiological processes related to breastfeeding.
5. Comfort and savings
Breastfeeding is comfortable and saves time and money, or at least compared to breastfeeding.or at least when compared to artificial feeding. There is no need to pay anything for breast milk, since there is no need to buy milk or bottles.
In addition, there is no need for any prior preparation, as it is always available and at the right temperature. Although the beginning can be complicated, once the technique is mastered it is much more practical than having to get up to prepare the bottle.
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