5 Reasons WHY Breastfeeding is AMAZING for babies
What does "breast is best" mean and why is breastfeeding is so favoured by many healthcare professionals around the world? Read this post and learn five reasons why breastfeeding is amazing for babies.
1. Builds Immunity
Breast milk contains antibodies. So babies who are breastfed have passive immunity for longer. The thick yellow-ish milk (colostrum) produced in the first few days following birth is particularly rich in antibodies. Breastmilk can also reduce the risk of asthma, type 1 and 2 diabetes and childhood leukaemia.
2. Essential Nutrition
Aside from important non-nutritional components (such as antimicrobial factors, digestive enzymes, hormones and growth factors which are all great to build immunity), breastmilk contains: water, proteins, essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and trace elements.
3. Prevents Obesity
Scientists believe breastmilk prevents obesity because breastfed babies are more likely to have certain bacteria in their digestive system.
A recent study have shown that getting breastmilk directly from the breast really helped prevent obesity as they are less likely to be overfed. Childhood obesity is linked to obesity later life.
4. Smarter Babies
Research is still inconclusive, but studies are pointing toward breastfed babies having higher IQ scores later in life, even when taking socioeconomic factors into consideration. The fatty acids in breast milk are thought to be the brain boosters.
5. Mum & Bub Bond
Breastfeeding, the best way to strengthen bonding between a mother and newborn. Studies also believe that active bonding activities protects against children’s internalising and behavioural problems!
More Information:
- Breastfeeding and Immunity (Australian Breastfeeding Association)
- Breastmilk Information (Infant Nutrition Council)
- Breastfeeding as Obesity Prevention (JAMA Pediatrics)
- Does Breastfeeding make Your Baby Smarter? (Parents)
- Bonding Benefits of Breastfeeding Extend Years Beyond Infancy (American Psychological Association)