The benefits of breastfeeding

CONSIDERED an elixir for your baby, breast milk and breastfeeding play a key role in your child’s development. Over the years, the health benefits of breastfeeding have been emphasised to create awareness about the impact of nursing on the overall development of your baby.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. However, if we are to go by the statistics, only two out of five women initiate the practice within the first hour of childbirth. Dr Subhashini NS, an Ayurveda expert, explains why breastfeeding is important.

Breast milk is the best, easiest and the most accessible source of nourishment for baby.

It helps protect babies from illness such as cold, flu, pneumonia and infections due to the presence of immuno-globulins and antibodies.

Breastfeeding can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes as well as certain types of breast and ovarian cancer.

It provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly a perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat and it is all provided in an easily digestible form. Breast milk contains immuno-globulins and antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and bacteria. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhoea.

It is advisable to feed your baby as often as possible, about every two hours or so, as breast milk gets digested quickly. The best way to feed your baby is to choose a quiet room.

Breastfeeding is nature's way of helping new mothers recover quickly from childbirth, supporting her health and providing the perfect opportunity to bond with the baby. – IANS