World Breastfeeding Week: Know benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby

Breast milk contains everything a newborn needs in the first six months of life, in just the appropriate amounts. Its composition changes with the changing demands of the newborn, especially in the first month of life.

Colostrum is a thick yellowish fluid produced by your breasts in the first few days after birth. It's high in protein, low in sugar, and packed with vitamins and minerals. It's a miracle food that can't be replicated with a formula.

Breastfeeding for more than 4 months was found to reduce the risk of an infant being overweight or obese, according to a study.

This could be linked to the emergence of new gut bacteria. Breastfed newborns have a higher level of these nutrients. Trusted source of gut bacteria that may influence fat storage.

There has been a lot of disinformation about breastfeeding during the Covid-19 outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, "To yet, no evidence of active Covid-19 transfer through breast milk or breastfeeding has been found. There is no reason to quit nursing or avoid it."

Your baby gets a good dosage of your antibodies every time he nurses, which helps strengthen his immunity against colds, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, and other common childhood ailments. Your antibody-rich milk also protects your baby from infections for which he hasn't yet been inoculated, such as influenza and whooping cough, especially during the first six months.

Breastfeeding mothers recover more rapidly and easily from childbirth. The hormone oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding, helps the uterus return to its normal size faster and can minimise postpartum bleeding.

Breastfeeding gives both the nursing mother and the baby a unique emotional experience. Breastfeeding is the only parenting behaviour that a mother may perform for her child, resulting in a unique and intense physical and emotional bond. Your partner, the baby's siblings, and other family members can all appreciate how warmly the new member of the family is greeted.