Advantages of breastfeeding and how technology is helping out

Breast milk has been proven to provide complete nutrition for the baby for six months. This has several advantages for the baby and the mother; apart from the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, it also builds an emotional connection between the mother and the baby. 

Advantages of breastfeeding to the mother

1. Prevents depression

As it is likely possible for a mother to fall into postpartum after childbirth. Postpartum is the condition of depression a mother experiences after childbirth. Breastfeeding has helped to reduce postpartum depression in mothers who breastfeed their babies. Depression is prevented as a result of the high quantity of oxytocin in the system which helps to develop a strong bond of affection between the mother and child and makes the mother relaxed.

2. Reduces unwanted weight gain during pregnancy 

The easiest process to burn calories after pregnancy is through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding burns up to 300 -500 calories a day.

3. Reduces risk of diabetes

Mothers who breastfeed their babies for three months’ risk of having type 1 diabetes is 30% lesser and 40% lesser chance of having type 2 diabetes.

4. Saves time and money

Mothers who breastfeed their babies within six months do not worry about buying formulas that help them save lots of money. 

5. Prevents menstruation

Breastfeeding is a way to take a break between pregnancy and menstruation. With regular breastfeeding, ovulation and menstruation are paused in mothers. 

6. Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. 

Studies have proven that breastfeeding protects against any form of cancerous diseases

7. Lower the risk of blood pressure

Mothers who breastfeed their babies are likely not to have blood pressure. It has been shown that breastfeeding prevents mothers from metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease and other diseases. 

Advantages to the baby

1.Visual sharpness

Babies who are fed through breastfeeding have higher visual sharpness compared to those who are not. Breastmilk improves the eyesight of babies.

2. Aids digestion

Breastmilk satisfies the hunger of babies and it is easy to digest.t. breastfeeding babies prevents constipation and indigestion. This also creates a good eating pattern.

3. The immune system is strengthened

Breastfeeding babies help them respond well to vaccination. The milk from the breast stabilizes the immune system of the babies. It lessens the risk of childhood cancer

4. Low inflammatory bowel diseases

The risk of inflammatory bowel diseases in babies that are breastfed is 30% lesser. The case of urinary infections and constipation are low.

5. Mother and baby bond grows rapidly

The period of breastfeeding improves the emotional bond between the mother and the baby

6. Growth

The right proportion of sugar, fat, water, proteins, and minerals that are needed for human growth is contained in breast milk, and babies in the course of breastfeeding digest all of these which help them grow fast and healthy. Breast Milk is the ideal milk for a baby’s growth. 

7. Brain development

The cholesterol and another type of fats are what breast milk contains, which support the growth of the nerve tissue. With breast milk, the risk of learning issues in babies is lower. The fatty acids in breast milk are brain boosters. Studies have shown that babies who are fed breast milk have higher IQs.

8. Infection

Babies who are breastfed have a 72% diminished risk of respiratory infections and rotaviruses. Pneumonia, wheezing and influenza are also less. Also, they have a 63% lesser risk of having throat infections. 

Tools that aid breastfeeding

1.Nipple shields

They are made of a thin silicone casing that is placed over the nipple. The reason for the nipple shield is to make the baby stay sucking on the breast.

Facts to understand about nipple shield are as follow: 

• Importantly, using a nipple shield should be under the supervision of a lactation consultant.
• It is needed not for a long term
• The nipple shield is primarily for premature babies
• Using a nipple shield is a better option than not breastfeeding the baby.
• There is an assurance of producing lesser milk.

2. Breast pump

The breast pump is used to extract and collect milk from a mother’s breast by suction. 

What to know about breast pump

• Pick the right pump
• Make sure the pump boarders fit the breast exactly. Not too big or small. 
• The breast pump boarders should be placed on the front and center of the nipple.
• Ensure the breast pump is held firmly in front of your nipple. 
• Then begin the suction.
• Do not ove-pump.
• Pump until milk comes out and it is enough for the baby.
• To keep the milk enhanced, keep on pumping.

 

Conclusion

With the numerous advantages of breastfeeding, it should be encouraged. Although several countries have made it mandatory, some are still yet to follow suit. Breastfeeding should be given comfortably for 6 months, after which desirable additional months should be added.

 

 

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