Importance of breastfeeding: 12 reasons to breastfeed

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed the baby, whereas the process of feeding milk is called breast feeding or nursing. It is the most preferred and essential method of infant feeding for the first 4 – 6 months of life.

The nutritional demand of lactating mothers increases as compared to the pregnancy phase. A well - nourished mother can secrete about 850 ml of milk per day as compared to a severely malnourished mother who produces only about 400ml of milk in a day. 

The breast undergoes gradual changes in size, shape and function in association with puberty, pregnancy and lactation. These changes are important for a healthy and successful breastfeeding. During pregnancy the breasts get prepared to produce milk by sixteenth to the twentieth week.

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Taking about Importance of Breastfeeding for the mother as well as the baby, here are 12 reasons to breastfeed:

1. Breast milk constantly changes its composition to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. It has the exact combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugars needed for the human infant at various stages of growth.

2. Breast milk contains a variety of immune factors which develops the babies immunity to several infections. It also helps the infant fight infection and disease like ear infection, diarrhoea and respiratory infections. It also acts as a protective shield against allergies.

3. The babies that are Breast fed have less chances of being overfed.

4. Due to the digestibility of the breast milk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated.

5. It is bacteriologically safe and always fresh.

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6. Breast-feeding promotes strong bonding between the mother and the child.

7. It is not only important for the newborn but also the nursing mother because the hormones released during breastfeeding helps the uterus regain its normal size after pregnancy.

8. The stools of breastfed babies have a mild smell.

9. Breast fed babies are at a less risk for crohn’s disease.

10. Breast milk is nutritionally superior to any other alternative.

11. Breastfeeding promotes good jaw and tooth development

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12. It is easily assimilated by the infants due to the perfect combination of protein, lactose and fat.

Breastfeeding is the one most beautiful yet challenging phase of a mothers life. It can take you some time to learn the feeding habits and latching techniques. Do consult a lactation expert if you face any difficulty in breastfeeding.