What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?
Ideal
Contains all what your baby needs.
Reduces the risk of infection
Less diarrhea and vomiting, chest infections, and ear infections compared to babies who are on formula. That’s because of mothers’ antibodies are passed in the breast milk from mother to baby.
Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome
Most likely due to fewer infections
Developmental and emotional factors
Increases the bond between mothers and their kids
Advantages in long-term health
Kids who breast fed less likely to get the following:
· Obesity and overweight
· High blood pressure
· High cholesterol level
· Eczema
· Diabetes
· Leukemia
· Asthma
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?
· In response to the baby's sucking, the mother's body releases a hormone that makes her uterus contract and get smaller.
· Many mothers also get emotional benefits from breastfeeding because of the closeness of this interaction with the baby and from the satisfaction of helping to nourish their babies.
· Some research suggest that mothers who breastfeed their babies have fewer episodes of post-delivery depression.
· There is evolving evidence to indicate that certain types of cancer (such as breast, uterus, and ovarian cancer) occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.
· . Many societies and cultures also encourage mothers to breastfeed, which can offer support to a new mother
Convenience
No preparation , ready any time
Financial
It is free
What if I have trouble breastfeeding?
Even though breastfeeding is a natural process, it's not always easy. Many health care providers suggest that women get lactation support to learn how to breastfeed and what is involved with breastfeeding. Ask your health care provider for more information about getting help with breastfeeding. Even with help, though, some women still have trouble breastfeeding or cannot breastfeed
Are there cases in which it is better not to breastfeed?
In certain situations, health care providers may advise a woman not to breastfeed:
· A woman with certain health conditions, such as HIV or active tuberculosis, should not breastfeed because she risks giving the infection to her infant through her breast milk.
· Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, may also be advised not to breastfeed.
· Certain medicines, including some mood stabilizers and migraine medicines, can also pass through the breast milk and cause harm to the infant.
· Women with certain chronic illnesses may be advised not to breastfeed, or to take special steps to ensure their own health while breastfeeding. For example, women who have diabetes may need to eat slightly more food while they breastfeed, to prevent their blood sugar levels from dropping.
· Women who have had breast surgery in the past may face some difficulties in breastfeeding.
Please note: engorgement, hardening of the breast, “breast abscess,” fever, and use of pain medications or antibiotics are NOT reasons to stop breastfeeding. In fact, in some cases—such as breast abscess or breast hardening—emptying of the breast helps to relieve the problem.
If a mother stops breastfeeding before the child is a year old, then she should feed her infant iron-fortified, commercially available formula. Health care providers advise women not to give their infants cow's milk until the child is at least a year old.
If you have any health conditions, or you are taking any medications or over-the-counter supplements, you should discuss breastfeeding with your health care provider
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