TLI Staff
New Delhi: Benefits of breastfeeding are abundant for both a child and a mother. The milk is full of easily absorbed nutritions, antixidants, enzymes, antibodies and immune properties.
It helps mother to lose weight quickly, reduces the risk of postpartum depression and improves bonding with the child. Breast milk is the best for every baby. It has many benefits for both the mother and the child. Dr. Sushma Tomar, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospital Kalyan tells us the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child.
Here are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers:
Breastfeeding promotes faster weight loss after birth. It burns about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain milk supply. Breastfeeding helps with uterus contraction, so it comes to normal size and controls post-delivery bleeding.
It increases self-confidence, reduces the risk of postpartum Depression and build a positive mood
It reduces risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), chances of anemia
Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones Oxytocin and Prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother.
Breastfeeding can support the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family.
It improves emotional and physical bonding between the mother and the child.
Breastfeeding reduces the chances of Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Endometriosis, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiac Disease and skin diseases.
Breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive, for a limited time (speak to your Gynecologist about this)
For The Baby Too The Benefits Are Immense, Here Are A Few:
Breastfed babies have a strong immune system
Breastfed babies cry less overall, and have fewer incidences of childhood illness
Breast milk has Ideal composition for digestion with low osmotic load; the fats are digested better
Breast milk is rich in protein and lactoalbumin
Babies have less Diarrhea, Constipation, Gastroenteritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, and Preterm Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Fewer colds and respiratory illnesses like Pneumonia, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Whooping Cough
Fewer ear infections, especially those that damage hearing
Fewer cases of Bacterial Meningitis
Better vision
Lower rates of infant mortality & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)