Breastfeeding is one of the most crucial aspects of early childhood nutrition, providing newborns with all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. This means feeding the infant only breast milk, with no additional food or water.
Exclusive breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother, strengthening immunity, promoting growth, and reducing the risk of diseases. We spoke to our expert Dr Vaishali Sharma, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, MD AIIMS, who explained the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Nutritional Superiority of Breast Milk
Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for infants. It contains the ideal balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals required for a baby’s development. As the baby grows, the composition of breast milk changes to meet his or her nutritional needs.
- Colostrum: The first milk, colostrum, is rich in antibodies, proteins, and essential nutrients. It strengthens the baby’s immune system and helps in healthy gut development.
- Easily Digestible Nutrients: Unlike formula milk, breast milk is easy for the baby to digest, reducing the risk of digestive issues like constipation and diarrhoea.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Breast milk contains Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA), crucial for brain and vision development.
Boosts Immunity and Reduces Illnesses
Breast milk is packed with antibodies, white blood cells, and immune-boosting compounds that protect infants from infections and diseases.
- Prevents Infections: Exclusively breastfeeding lowers the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of allergies, asthma, diabetes, and obesity later in life.
- Reduces Infant Mortality: Studies show that exclusive breastfeeding lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other life-threatening conditions.
According to the Clinical Nutrition Open Science, nearly all infants who were exclusively breastfed (98.1%) did not exhibit any allergy. In comparison, 40.5% of infants who were not completely breastfed experienced some form of allergic condition, which included food allergies (12.8%), atopic dermatitis (12.8%), and asthma (10.6%).
Supports Healthy Growth and Development
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in a baby’s overall growth. "It promotes healthy weight gain, reduces the risk of childhood obesity, and enhances cognitive development. Breastfed babies tend to have better Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores and improved brain function due to the presence of essential nutrients and hormones," added Dr Sharna.
Promotes Maternal Health
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby but also for the mother. Here are some of its benefits shared by Dr Sharma:
- Speed Up Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract, reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding faster recovery.
- Lower Risk of Diseases: Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Helps in Weight Loss: Breastfeeding burns extra calories, aiding mothers to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster.
Strengthens Mother-Baby Bond
Breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional connection between the mother and the baby. "Skin-to-skin contact during feeding releases oxytocin, often known as the 'love hormone,' which enhances maternal bonding and reduces stress. This emotional connection helps the baby feel secure and comforted, promoting healthy emotional and psychological development," explained Dr Sharma. Additionally, breastfeeding reduces postpartum depression in mothers by stabilizing hormone levels and encouraging positive interactions with the baby.
Bottomline
Dr Sharma concluded, “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is vital for a baby’s health, offering unmatched nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits. It also strengthens the bond between mother and child while providing long-term health advantages for both. Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding practices can lead to healthier generations in the future.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]