Why breastfeeding is important for babies

A nutritionist has said that breastfeeding not only supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions to babies, but also protects them against allergies, sicknesses and obesity.

The nutritionist, who would not want to be named, wondered why working mothers were abandoning breastfeeding, adding that breastfeeding a baby for six months and beyond would guard against diseases.

He further said that mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, as well as obesity, even as they strengthen the bond with their children

“Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborn babies before they are able to eat and digest other foods. Breast milk benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition. It contains all the vitamins and nutrients a baby needs in the first six months of life. It has disease fighting substances that protect babies from illnesses,” he added.

According to him, breast milk prepares the baby for different tastes unlike formula milk. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies developing wheezing in early childhood and severe eczema.

Babies who are fed with cow or soya milk are likely to have allergic reactions than breastfed babies, he said.

Studies have also shown that the nutrients found only in breast milk help to prevent allergic reactions to food by providing a layer of protection to a baby’s intestinal tract. Without this protection to a baby, inflammation can develop, and the wall of the intestine can become leaky.

He said breastfeeding offered a lot of benefits, including decreased risk of sudden infant death by 73 per cent, increased intelligence, decreased likelihood of contracting middle ear infections, cold and flu resistance, decrease in the risk of leukemia, lower risk of childhood onset diabetes, decreased risk of asthma, decreased dental problems and decreased risk of psychological disorders.

Bala, 400 Level, Communications, BUK

Mass