The benefits of breastfeeding include. Do I need to breastfeed my baby? Benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother

Often, women who are expecting a baby for the first time have doubts about whether it is worth breastfeeding. To understand how beneficial it is for the baby and for the mother, it is worth evaluating all the benefits of breastfeeding.
Indeed, despite the abundance of artificial nutrition and its improvement, breast milk is still irreplaceable. If there are no compelling reasons for refusing to feed, there is no need to doubt its benefits and importance.

Why breast milk is good for you

Mother's milk is unique. It absorbs all the substances the baby needs. In addition, it is created by the female body specifically for each baby. Taking into account his needs and peculiarities of development.

According to Komarovsky, the natural path is always better when you are not sure if the other path has advantages.

Here are some additional advantages the pediatrician notes:

Breastfeeding helps prevent your baby from developing the thumb-sucking habit. He satisfies the sucking reflex by applying to the mother's breast.

It is much easier to breastfeed your baby on a long trip than to prepare formula on the road.

Mother's milk is absolutely sterile.

Moral satisfaction from intimacy with the baby. The feeling that the child receives what no one else in the world can give him.

Breastfeeding is the best solution for mothers who have no medical condition to breastfeed their baby.

It is especially important in the first six months of a baby's life. And the optimal feeding time is before the child is 1 year old.

Breastfeeding is a unique gift from wise nature. It is incredibly useful for both a newborn baby and his mother. Unfortunately, some women, for various reasons, deliberately refuse to breastfeed their babies and transfer them to artificial milk formulas, not realizing that by doing so they cause great harm to themselves and the baby. Consider what the benefits of breastfeeding are and why doctors recommend breastfeeding your baby for as long as possible.

Benefits of breastfeeding for your baby

Mother's milk is the most optimal food for a newborn. All proteins, fats, trace elements and vitamins contained in it are absorbed by the child's body most fully, which cannot be achieved when feeding with mixtures.

The proteins that make up breast milk do not cause allergic reactions in the child, they contain amino acids necessary for growth and development.
Fats in breast milk contain many beneficial fatty acids. They are easily broken down by the child's body, in which the production of necessary enzymes has not yet been established. The own enzyme contained in milk - lipase also helps to break down fats, ensuring normal baby stools, no constipation and intestinal colic.
Carbohydrates in breast milk are represented by lactose, which regulates the acidic environment of the baby's gastrointestinal system. This is very important for the functioning of beneficial bacteria and the suppression of pathogenic flora.
The calorie content of breast milk provides the baby with the energy it needs for growth and development.
While sucking at the breast, the child has the opportunity to eat as actively as he needs, to pause, which is difficult to achieve when feeding from a bottle.
In addition to enzymes, breast milk contains hormones and biologically active substances necessary for the proper development of a child. As well as a wide range of natural immunomodulators such as lactoferin, globulin A and others. Thanks to them, the baby receives powerful protection against viruses and infections. The composition of immune factors is individual for each child. Antibodies received by infants with breast milk protect them from many diseases, significantly increasing the body's resistance to viruses, infections, bacteria, which artificial children do not receive.
The milk produced always has its own specific composition, which is unique during each feeding. Depending on the maternal diet and the substances transmitted to the child with its help, the mother's body adjusts the composition of breast milk so that the child receives a balanced product that can be easily processed and absorbed with the greatest benefit.
When the nipple is gripped, the baby forms the correct bite. Sucking on the breast further reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and stomatitis.
The advantages of breastfeeding also lie in the establishment of a special psycho-emotional contact between the baby and the mother during the feeding process, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous systems of both of them.
Breast milk cannot be overheated or underheated, it is always at the optimum temperature, in addition, it is always sterile and cannot be stale or contain bacteria, which is quite common when using formulas.

Mammography: a technique for conducting research in nursing mothers

Benefits of breastfeeding for mom

It's not just babies who are breastfeeding who experience the benefits of breastfeeding. It also brings considerable benefit to women in labor.

Normalization of hormonal levels. When the baby sucks the mother's breast, the female body produces the hormone oxytocin. It enhances the contraction of the uterus, so babies are now applied to the breast immediately after birth. In women who are breastfeeding, the uterus recovers faster. In addition, this hormone stimulates the placenta to separate and reduces the likelihood of bleeding.
Complementary contraception. Prolactin produced during breastfeeding stimulates the production of milk in the female body. During the production of this hormone, the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone is suppressed. They are responsible for the reproductive function of the body. The absence of these hormones stops the process of maturation and release of the egg, which means that it makes it impossible to fertilize it, and thus protects the body from repeated pregnancy. Therefore, natural feeding provides a woman in labor with natural contraception, although its reliability can be sure only if a number of certain requirements are met.
Suppression of cancer cells. The increased production of estrogen by the body can provoke the growth of cancer cells in the reproductive organs. Produced during breastfeeding, prolactin suppresses the production of estrogen by the pituitary gland, thus reducing the likelihood of developing this disease. Medical statistics report that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer by 50% and ovarian cancer by 25%. During feeding, the mastopathy of the mammary glands significantly decreases or even disappears without a trace. To treat it in a natural way, doctors - mammologists recommend giving birth and breastfeeding up to 3 years of age.
In women with diabetes, insulin dependence is reduced.
Starting from the moment of conception and for six months after the cessation of lactation, the female body intensively assimilates calcium. Nature arranged it so that at a time when this element is so necessary for mother and child, the mechanisms of its assimilation are activated. It is believed that each breastfed baby reduces the risk of osteoporosis in older women by 25%.
Weight recovery. During pregnancy, certain reserves of nutrients are formed in the woman's body, which should provide adequate nutrition for the baby, even in the case of a poor diet from the mother after childbirth. Therefore, women who go on weight loss diets after childbirth are simply wasting their time. Until the nutrients necessary for the child are transferred to him in the mother's breast milk, it will still not be possible to get rid of the "reserves". Long-term breastfeeding will give a signal to the body that the baby is already strong enough and has grown up, so you can begin to get rid of the stocks made "just in case".
Improving the psycho-emotional state. During breastfeeding in the female body, the hormone endorphin is produced in a larger than usual amount. He is responsible for an elevated psycho-emotional state, a feeling of happiness and joy, peace. Actively produced prolactin is a natural tranquilizer. The woman is less worried about various everyday difficulties, she focuses all her attention on the child, enjoying every minute of communication with him.
Improving immunity. During lactation, metabolic processes in the body are significantly activated. Therefore, the removal of toxins, cell renewal, tissue regeneration is accelerated. The mucous membrane becomes more resistant to viruses and infections, and immunity increases.
After all, breastfeeding saves a lot on the family budget, which is especially true for young families, while good formula milk is quite expensive.

Breastfeeding problems

In fairness, it should be noted that there are pluses and minuses of breastfeeding. The latter include the following problems.

Violation of the feeding technique can lead to cracked nipples.
If the baby does not fully suck the breast, mastitis may develop.
The increase in endorphin and prolactin levels leads to drowsiness, memory loss and concentration.
It is impossible to be away from the baby for a long time, since the breaks between feedings are relatively small.
All the time you have to control and limit the mother's diet. Certain medications should not be used during lactation.

As you can see, the downsides of breastfeeding are much smaller than the benefits of breastfeeding. In addition, some of these problems can be avoided with the correct organization of the feeding regime and technique. You can also seek help from a breastfeeding counselor. Of course, every woman independently decides how to feed her baby. But the main factor in this should be taking care of the growth and development of the child, and breastfeeding provides this most effectively.

Your baby was born. Each mother tries to give her child only the best. Let's take a closer look at what are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and mother.

The World Health Organization and pediatricians around the world are on the side of natural feeding and actively recommend it. The right to choose the feeding method remains, of course, with the mother. To make the right decision, we will try to tell you in detail all aspects of breastfeeding.

Benefits of breastfeeding babies

Mother's milk is by nature a perfect, valuable product. Nature has put into it all the most valuable qualities that ensure the life, health, and proper development of a baby.

The optimal amount required, a balanced ratio of nutrients, an easily digestible form, all these qualities are adapted to the physiological and biochemical processes of the child's body. Such properties are very important, since the organs and systems of the newborn are not yet fully developed.

Until now, scientists are discovering more and more valuable components in human milk. It's amazing how much nature has thought of everything: composition and properties.

So let's take a look at the content of breast milk to see why it is so invaluable to babies.

Vitamins

Human milk is rich in vitamins (especially A, E, D), minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus). All these components are in an easily assimilated form, thanks to which the body does not need to spend efforts on their digestion.

Squirrels

We all know from the course of biology that protein is necessary as a building material for cells, and it is vital for a rapidly growing organism. Amino acids are ideally adapted to metabolic processes that are not yet perfect. They are easy to digest.

Fats

In breast milk, they are absorbed by the child by 90-95%. Fats contain fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which are very relevant for a newborn baby.

Carbohydrates

They are represented by lactose, which has a bifidogenic property, promotes the development of beneficial intestinal microflora of the crumbs, while preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Minerals

Human milk is rich in many minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. Their properties prevent the development of rickets, malnutrition and other diseases.

Hormones

Immunoglobulins

Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick, they have a lower percentage of chronic diseases. This is due to the content of immunoglobulins, antibodies that help an immature child's immunity to reach perfection.

Remember.The first drops of milk - colostrum, contain a particularly high concentration of immunoglobulins. It helps to protect the baby's body from pathogenic microbes that he encounters in the first moments of his life. No formula can replace this property of breast milk.

Enzymes

Human milk is rich in special enzymes necessary for the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

The value of human milk is limitless:
has a protective function, strengthens the immune system, which is a barrier to many diseases;
sterility of milk, due to which there is no need for additional processing;
the baby is receiving milk at a comfortable temperature;
balanced content of nutrients, in an easily digestible form;
ease of feeding, no need for additional attributes;
improves the functioning of the baby's brain, which contributes to better psychomotor development.

According to research by the international organization UNICEF, it has been proven that after six months of breastfeeding, a child's IQ increases by 6-8 points.

Healing properties of breast milk

Research on human milk has proven its medicinal properties. Helps with various problems.

Milk is sterile and contains antibodies, which allows you to fight conjunctivitis, which is often found in babies. A few drops of expressed milk will help relieve this problem.

Diseases of the ears, are perfectly cured with 2-3 drops of expressed milk, instillation every 3-4 hours, you can do without the help of antibiotics.

For minor burns, including sunburn, smearing the burn site with a swab moistened with breast milk will relieve pain and help heal.

Light scratches, insect bites, diaper rash can also be treated with human milk.

Cracked nipples that occur in the first months of breastfeeding can be healed well with breast milk. After feeding, expressing the rest of the milk, it is necessary to rinse the breast with warm water, then express a couple of drops, lubricate the affected areas. This will help relieve pain and heal cracks.

Benefits of breastfeeding for women

There is no picture more beautiful than a mother feeding her child. A woman during motherhood becomes even more beautiful, sensual. At all times, artists admired and painted pictures of mothers breastfeeding their babies. An important fact - a lot depends on the correct attachment of the baby to the breast, you can see in detail how to do this in this article.

Feeding brings a lot of positive points:

Breastfeeding produces a hormone called oxytocin. It enhances the contraction of the uterus, and this is the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
Immediately after birth, the baby is applied to the breast, at this moment, not only oxytocin is produced, but also another hormone - prolactin. He is responsible for the production of breast milk.
Scientists have proven that breast, uterus, and ovarian cancers are less common in nursing mothers.
When breastfeeding, the bond between a woman and a child becomes stronger, the maternal instinct flares up with greater force.

When carrying a child by a surrogate mother, psychologists do not recommend putting the child to the breast. This can raise doubts about the decision to give the child to parents and further complex psycho-emotional problems.

Breastfeeding is convenient and economical. A woman does not need to carry loads of bottles, formula, etc., when going for a walk or getting up at night to sterilize the bottle and prepare the artificial mixture.

The psychological benefits of breastfeeding

Science has proven that breastfed babies are different from bottle-fed babies. Such children are better developed physically and emotionally.

In the process of breastfeeding, the unity of the mother and baby takes place. In addition, breastfeeding is a further foundation for development at an older age.

They are more active, balanced, psychologically. Such children are more resistant in various stressful situations. For example, the first visit to kindergarten, school. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly organize the nutrition of a newborn.

As a rule, these kids grow up to be friendly, sociable and benevolent people. The emotional attachment of the child to the mother does not pass without a trace; in the future, attentive, caring parents will grow out of them.

Mother's milk transfers all the warmth, love and tenderness of the mother. A bottle of the mixture will never be able to convey energy, emotional warmth, security. There are many known cases when mothers immediately after birth wanted crumbs to abandon them for various reasons. As soon as they feed the child at least once, the decision changed in favor of the baby.

Breast milk is a natural and nutritious food for babies. Caring mothers know about its benefits, but it is not always possible to establish feeding. Often, early going to work, unwillingness to comply with a strict regimen, lack of information on how to ensure stable lactation, and other reasons interfere.

Almost every mother can breastfeed. This process requires giving up a number of habits, but only the most natural and correct one for a newborn baby. That is why it is important to re-evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding before switching to artificial formula based on cow's milk..

Doctors claim that the vast majority of mothers can breastfeed on their own.

The uniqueness of breast milk

The beginning of breastfeeding is a difficult period for a fragile mother after childbirth. Proper nutrition, regimen and latching the baby to the breast (up to 15 times a day) will help to establish lactation. The support of the husband and loved ones is especially important here, because the mother will have to devote most of her time only to the baby. When the process improves, mom will be able to fully experience the benefits of breastfeeding.

No matter how many vitamins and minerals are included in a quality mixture, it will not be able to protect against infections and bring as much benefit as mother's milk. Breast milk is based on valuable amino acids necessary for the proper development of the baby. It also contains lipase - a unique enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats, the absence of digestive problems. Other benefits of breast milk include:

protection against infections, colic and allergies - it is provided by leukocytes, immunoglobulins, antibodies against pathogens transferred by the mother earlier;
easy assimilation and effective use by the baby's body - thanks to lipase, which is only in mother's milk;
calmness of the baby - at the mother's breast, the baby calms down faster and falls asleep;
improvement of mental development indicators - it has been proven that 5-year-old babies who were breastfed for up to 6 months have higher mental abilities than their “artificial” peers;
no hassle - it is not always easy for a baby to pick up a mixture, and bottles and nipples need to be sterilized.

Benefits of Breast Milk over Cow's Milk Adapted Formula

Breast milk differs in the content of fats, proteins and antibodies in women and animals. It also changes as the baby grows up. As a rule, it contains 87% water, 7% carbohydrates (including lactose), 4% fat, about 1% protein. Water satisfies the need for fluid, carbohydrates give the child's body energy and accelerate the formation of the nervous system. Proteins serve as a base for the formation of hormones and enzymes.

Fat is released unevenly during lactation. There are few of them in the front milk, but by the end of feeding the baby gets the most nutritious drops. Therefore, when the baby is breastfeeding slowly, breastfeeding should not be taken.

Fats from mom's milk are easier to digest than from cow's, goat's milk or formula. For their cleavage, the lipase enzyme is responsible, which is not found in substitutes. Ready-made antibodies, hormones and amino acids (taurine, cystine, methionine) are also found only in breast milk.

Features of the mixture

Modern mixtures based on cow and goat milk are close to breast milk, but cannot replace it (for more details, see the article :). More protein is included in them, which gives an increased load on the baby's metabolism. Its large molecules hardly pass through the filters in the glomeruli. Due to the low digestibility of the proteins in the mixture, the risk of obesity in artificial children is higher.

For better assimilation, cow's milk proteins are split when creating a mixture, whey proteins are added, which are involved in metabolic processes. Milk fat is digested by the child's body on its own, since there is no helper (lipase) in milk replacers. The carbohydrate composition of the mixture is as close as possible to mother's milk. A quality product also includes prebiotics, unsaturated fatty acids.

Although manufacturers are trying to develop a mixture that would completely repeat the composition of mom's milk, there is no such product yet.

Cow and goat milk

Unadapted cow and goat milk is not suitable for the development of a nursing baby. They do not contain unsaturated fatty acids important for brain development, but they contain a lot of protein that animals need for the formation of muscle fibers. If there are difficulties in the organization of feeding, you need to choose good adapted formulas, but do not use milk from goats and cows.

The benefits of breastfeeding

Neither mixed nor formula feeding has all the benefits of breastfeeding. The use of breast milk has a positive effect on the mood, well-being and development of the baby, and has a beneficial effect on his health in the future. It is sterile, always at the optimal temperature and produced in the amount needed to meet the daily needs of the child.

Benefits for the baby

In addition to the advantages described above, breastfeeding contributes to the emergence of a feeling of security and personal safety in the baby, which lasts for many years. At an older age, this feeling remains, helps to reduce aggressiveness and increases adaptation in society. Sucking on the breast allows for bite formation and reduces the risk of early dental problems.

Sucking the breast allows you to create an excellent correct bite

Benefits for a premature baby

Mother's milk is necessary for premature babies, whose digestive system suffers from a lack of essential enzymes. It begins to be produced ahead of time - right after childbirth, contains an increased amount of protein, fat, promotes active weight gain and protects the baby from infections.

Premature babies who are breastfed are less likely to be diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis and pathological changes in the intestinal microflora.

If the baby is being tube fed, it is recommended to apply it to the breast whenever possible. Sucking will stimulate the mother's lactation, speed up the emptying of the baby's stomach and help the baby gain weight.

Benefits for mom

In the postpartum period, during lactation, oxytocin and prolactin are produced. The hormone oxytocin prevents postpartum bleeding and helps the uterus return to its original size within 2 months. Prolactin calms the nervous system, allows you to relax during feedings.

A nursing mother does not need to carry bottles with her, so being away from home becomes more comfortable. All you need to do is drink the right amount of water, eat right, and wear comfortable clothing that allows you to feed your baby when needed.

Menstruation to a nursing mother does not come immediately, but this is not a 100% guarantee of pregnancy. If there is no next pregnancy planned, it is important to take care of contraception. If you follow the correct diet, a young mother will not get better, but she will even lose weight gained during pregnancy.

The only food and drink that a baby needs, even on a walk, is mother's milk.

Benefits for dad

Father's support is one of the components of harmony in the family. By understanding the benefits of breastfeeding for the spouse and child, he can adequately respond to attempts by loved ones to sabotage efforts to establish lactation. Night feedings will not bother the head of the family, he will not have to help his wife with boiling the bottles and preparing the mixture.

Among other things, babies have a pleasant milky smell, which "artificial" people are deprived of. Their chair is soft, devoid of a pungent smell, and even a squeamish dad can handle a diaper change. For safety reasons, parents do not need to take the baby to their bed - it is better for mom to get up when he cries and feed on demand.

Memo to a young mother: how to breastfeed correctly for the first six months

A newborn's first meal is colostrum. It saturates, has a beneficial effect on the immune system and the infant's gastrointestinal tract. Within 3-4 days after childbirth, milk begins to arrive. During this period, the mother needs to find a comfortable position for feeding, learn how to attach the baby (we recommend reading :) to the breast. Questions that will surely arise during feeding should be asked to the doctor. The answers to many of them can be obtained in the memo, which describes the features of feeding up to six months.

1 month

At this time, it is important for mom to apply the baby to the breast from 8 to 15 times a day (on demand). Some of the babies suck for more than half an hour. Someone, on the contrary, spends 10 minutes at the chest and falls asleep, but after an hour they demand to eat again. For the first month, it is important for mom to adapt to the newborn's regimen, and not vice versa.

2 month

At two months of age, the baby should also receive milk or breast for soothing on demand. Some experts argue that feed intervals should be set at 4 hours. This is unacceptable, since the child's diet remains chaotic. 2-3 months after giving birth, the mother may experience a decrease in the amount of milk (lactation crisis). Do not follow the lead of relatives and switch to cow's milk or formula. The regime and consultation of a feeding specialist will help to overcome the situation.

3-4 month

During this period, the time intervals between feedings increase, as the baby is improving his own routine. If the baby is on demand, there is no need for complementary foods and bottle water. According to WHO, up to 6 months, a baby does not need anything except mother's milk.

At 3-4 months, the interval between feedings increases, but the baby still feeds only on milk

5 month

The baby is growing up, but mother's milk is still his only food. Feeding becomes more rare and prolonged, the mother does not need to often interrupt the night's sleep. During this period, babies are interested in what adults eat. Parents, in turn, perceive this as a signal to start complementary foods. WHO recommends waiting a little, setting aside cereals, juices, vegetables and fruit purees for up to 6 months.

6 month

An opportune time to discover new flavors. Complementary foods are introduced after agreement with the pediatrician, starting with cereals, hypoallergenic vegetables, and fermented milk products. During this period, it also becomes necessary to supplement the baby with a bottle or spoon. Every month the baby's diet becomes wider, but breastfeeding continues. By the age of one, the mother can gradually reduce the number of attachments if she plans to wean the baby from the breast.

How much milk does a baby need?

A baby who has enough mother's milk gains about 600 grams of weight every month. He is active, and the number of urinations from the middle of the first month is 12 per day (wet diaper test). If the mother is worried about the baby's underweight, you need to find out how much he ate during feeding, weighing on an electronic scale before and after applying will help. Far milk is more nutritious: if the baby has not fully sucked the breast, he will feel hunger much earlier. Before giving him a second breast, it is important to make sure that there is no more milk in the first one.

You can find out if there is enough milk for the baby by the results of the control weighing.

Until what age should you breastfeed your baby?

According to the WHO, the minimum period for breastfeeding is 6 months if there is no reason for the early introduction of the formula. In the first six months after childbirth, mother's milk is the only food for the baby. It is recommended to supplement with water only in heat, in order to prevent dehydration.

On the question of how old to breastfeed, there are no unequivocal recommendations. A number of experts advise to continue up to 2 years, their opponents are convinced that 12 months is enough. In countries with an unstable economy and the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, babies are fed up to 1.5-2 years. After a year, mom's milk changes its composition, becomes more nutritious, helps to create a reliable barrier against infectious pathogens in the child's body.

Lactation and physiology

Over time, the mother's milk production decreases. After about 2.5-3 years, the involution of the mammary glands occurs (they return to the "pre-pregnant" state). Mothers looking to get the most out of the benefits of breastfeeding can breastfeed their babies until they are weaned or milk production is over.

After about 2.5-3 years, lactation ends on its own (see also :)

Difficulty during breastfeeding

The disadvantages of breastfeeding are associated with the mother's discomfort. She will have to follow a diet and regimen, give the crumbs most of her time. Overfilling with milk in the glands may cause tingling and painful sensations, which will require additional pumping, since the baby will not be able to suck from the swollen, heavy breast.

Sometimes the nipples of a nursing mother crack, which is accompanied by inflammation and soreness when feeding. This can be prevented by regular breast care and the use of a cream based on lanolin, panthenol after each feeding. Many mothers are afraid that their breasts will lose their shape, but this depends only on the individual characteristics of the organism.

During lactation, the mother's body experiences a lack of vitamins and minerals. Nature is arranged in such a way that the rule "first to the baby, then to yourself" is in effect. In order not to lose teeth, to maintain the elasticity of the skin and the shine of the hair, you need to ask your doctor to prescribe a vitamin-mineral complex. If a nursing mother is sick, the selection of drugs for treatment is also trusted by the doctor, since many drugs contain substances that are passed into breast milk.

If a nursing mother is sick, only a doctor should prescribe medications for her.

Cons of feeding your baby with formula

The reasons why mothers switch to artificial feeding are different. However, it is important to remember that good adapted mixtures are expensive, and it is not always possible to choose the most suitable product in terms of composition. Other disadvantages of artificial feeding include:

allergic reactions to the components of the mixture;
low resistance of the baby to infections;
weak emotional connection with mom;
increased risk of anemia, obesity, allergization;
violation of the formation of intestinal microflora.

Not a single competent specialist will advise you to switch to mixtures, if there is no good reason for it. Insufficient lactation cannot be a reason for refusing to breastfeed (see also.