How many benefits from breast feeding that we doesn't know? There are benefits for both mom and the baby.

Breastfeeding is a unique feature of women. It is the best gift that a mom can give to her baby. It contains all the nutrients that are required for a growing baby. Baby does not need any additional feeding up to 6 months, only mother's milk enough. There are so many benefits with breastfeeding to both mother and baby.

Benefits to the baby :

♦ Breast milk contains 88 % water, which is enough for the baby. No need to give additional water.

♦ It contains essential carbohydrates, especially Lactose, which is essential for the calcium absorption and             promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in intestine.

♦ Has easy digestible proteins. Essential amino acids useful for the  neurotransmission.

♦ Essential fatty acids.

♦ Contains IGA etc. which protects the baby from infections.

♦ It improves the babies immune power. Some studies show that breastfeed babies are more active and have     more IQ than other babies.

♦ Growth factors helps in babies growth.

♦ It improves the bonding between baby and mother, so baby become mentally active.

♦ Decreases the chances of dental problems in baby.

♦ Keeps gut healthy and reduces the chances of diarrhea, respiratory infections etc.

    Benefits to mother due to breastfeeding:

♦ It promotes faster weight loss after birth, as production of milk consumes some calories.

♦ Uterus contracts quickly to the normal size. Reduces the bleeding after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage).

♦ It gives contraceptive benefit.

♦ It protects the mother from ovarian cancers, breast cancers, endometriosis and osteoporosis.

♦ Helps economically. No need to buy milk and no need to wash bottles.

♦ It makes mother mentally relax and improves self-esteem.

    How to feed the baby :

 Mother should get proper back rest (sitting / lying). Hold the baby in the arm and bring the baby toward the mother breast instead of bending the mother towards the baby. Should give support to the babies neck. One side breast should completely empty before shifting to another one.

 Feed 2-3 hourly / whenever the baby is hungry. Only breastmilk is enough up to 6 months. Later, additional soft food required along with breastmilk for the development of the baby.

   Advices to the mother :

• Maintain proper hygiene and wash the breast-feed area regularly.

• Drink lots of water, as the amount of milk production depends on water consumption by the mother.

• Take fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

• Avoid pollution and cold weather exposure, as it infect the mother, which will transmit to the baby.

• Keep cotton in ears and avoid hypothermia.

• Take dairy products regularly like milk, curd etc.

•  Take healthy food in small quantities but in more frequencies. Eat 4-6 times in a day like short meals.

  Advice to the father : Father also has responsibility about his baby. He should handle the baby and give rest to the mother.

Breast milk vs cow milk :

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