Breastfeeding guarantees healthy babies

More and more women became aware of the importance of breastfeeding as the best food for their babies, disregarding the formula feeding, which may result in indefense organisms in the newborns.

The formula feeding brings more risks than safety for babies. That has been very difficult for some mothers to understand. There are still mothers who stop breastfeeding in the early weeks, mothers who stop breastfeeding earlier than planned. And for many mothers breastfeeding up to two years or beyond is still a stretch they cannot follow.

Some mothers still disregard that only mother’s milk also works like a medicine to protect their babies. Breastfeeding can help the newborn stay healthy and it is a beautiful and intimate way for mothers to get to know him or her. Mother’s milk perfectly matches the baby’s needs.

Benefits for babies

• Breast milk gives the infant the ideal balance of nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies. Mother’s milk contains live cells and other growth factors that help promote the best possible development.
• Parts of mother’s milk help to activate and develop the baby’s immune system.
• The special mixture of fats in mother’s milk helps develop the baby’s brain and eyes. This can never be made the same way in formula.
• Many of the benefits of mother’s milk extend well past the time breastfeeding stops.
• Breastfeeding is also a part of mother’s relationship with their baby and promotes bonding.
• Breast milk can reduce the development of allergies in babies. Baby formula is made from cow’s milk or soy. Early introduction of casein and soy can stimulate sensitivity to these and result in allergies later.

Breastfeeding provides newborn the required amount of calcium, therefore any deficiencies will cause harmful effects, especially the health of the mother. That also applies to other minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

Magnesium is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and muscle contraction, phosphorus is maintaining bone mass and can stimulate brain function and iron is known to produce red blood cells, transport oxygen to body tissues and prevent anemia.

Benefits for the mom

Mothers who had breastfed where not lacking in bone mineralization, even though they had used their calcium stores. Premature babies had protection against sepsis and necrotising entero-colitis, infections with serious consequences in a neonatal intensive care environment.

Breastfeeding can protect them from breast cancer and ovarian cancer and the risk of a second pregnancy (acts as a natural method of contraception). Moreover, breastfeeding prevents the tendency of the breasts to fall after birth and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. For these reasons, experts recommend that babies be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first 4-6 months.

So, it is necessary for mothers who do not understand the importance on breastfeeding to stop being selfish and think about the baby’s needs, and please,  give them the opportunity to grow healthy and sound. That is up to you!

Written by Radio Grito de Baire