Various benefits of breast milk for mother and baby

Breast milk (ASI) is the most recommended food for babies under the age of six months. UNICEF and WHO recommend that mothers give breast milk during the first months of a baby's life because breast milk is very nutritious and has minimal contamination. In addition to providing the nutrients needed for babies, breastfeeding can also improve the emotional connection between mother and child. Not only for babies, breast milk content offers many benefits for mothers.

Benefits of breast milk for babies

The complex nutritional content in breast milk is very important for the growth and development of infants. Exclusive breastfeeding will provide a variety of amazing benefits below.

Strengthen the baby's immune system:

ASI or often called colostrum, is very useful as an antibody. An antibody substance can form the immune system. Thus, the baby becomes stronger and the risk of contracting viruses and bacteria is reduced. Respiratory problems, digestive problems, allergies and obesity can also be minimized with colostrum.

Increase baby's intelligence:

According to experts, fatty acids in breast milk can increase a child's IQ.

Create an ideal baby weight:

Breast milk only slightly stimulates the production of lipid hormones (insulin) compared to formula milk. In addition, breastfed babies will also have higher levels of leptin. Leptin is a hormone that plays an important role in the onset of satiety and fat metabolism.

Strengthen baby bones:

Research shows that the cervical vertebrae and spine of babies who have been given colostrum for at least the first three months.

Reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

SIDS is a dangerous syndrome that can threaten the baby's life when he falls asleep. According to research, giving colostrum for at least two months can reduce this risk.
These are some of the benefits of breast milk for babies. Then, are there any benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers?

Benefits of breastfeeding for a mother

Not only babies, mothers also enjoy various benefits by providing exclusive breastfeeding. By giving breast milk, the mother will get the following benefits for the body.
 
Effective diet method:

When breastfeeding, the mother's calories will be burned, which will reduce weight.

Natural contraception:

Breastfeeding has been shown to slow down the process of ovulation. This concept is similar to the contraceptive system.
 
Reducing stress:
Breastfeeding will stimulate the production of oxytocin, a hormone that can have a relaxing effect and reduce stress.

Reducing the risk of cancer:

Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The longer the period of breastfeeding, the more mothers are protected from the threat of cancer. This is likely to occur because breastfeeding can suppress the production of the hormone estrogen.

Given the various benefits above, support for nursing mothers is needed. Likewise, helping mothers give breast milk until the age of two years, which is supported by MPASI. With this step, infant mortality can be suppressed.

Share this post