Breast milk is nature’s perfect baby food. Contains immune-enhancing antibodies and healthy enzymes that scientists have yet to replicate. Here are some of the benefits that breastfeeding can bring to your baby.
- Provides your baby with colostrum in the first few days. Colostrum – the ‘first milk’ that arrives after a mother gives birth to her child – is contains antibodies to protect the newborn baby. It’s also higher in protein and lower in sugar than ‘full’ milk, so even a small amount can hold off a baby’s hunger.
- Protects against allergies and eczema.
- Breast milk is so easy for your baby’s body to break down. Hence, it causes less stomach upset, diarrhea, and constipation than baby formula.
- Reduces the risk of viruses, gastroenteritis, ear infections, and respiratory infections like pneumonia and colds
- Help prevent obesity. Some studies show that breastfed infants are less likely to be obese later in life.
- Lessens the risk of Sudden Infant Deaths (SIDs). Breastfed babies are half as likely to be victims of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death).
- Promotes the health of premature babies by protecting them from sepsis, chronic lung disease, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) – a serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies – and other fatal conditions.
- Positive effect on baby brain development making your baby smarter and having higher IQ.
- It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood
- It allows your baby’s sleep well and soundly as a result of oxytocin produced in your baby’s body when he or she breastfeeds.