Importance of Breastfeeding to the baby
By Okunlola Christiana OmololaÂ
Breastfeeding is vital for the survival and well-being of infants, delivering personalized nutrition and important antibodies that guard against diseases, allergies, and long-term conditions such as asthma and obesity. It promotes essential emotional connections and provides lasting health advantages for mothers, including a lower likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancer, while serving as a practical, economical, and sustainable food option.
Key benefits of breastfeeding for the baby include:
- Immune System Boost:Â Breast milk is rich in antibodies, especially colostrum (the first milk), which act as a natural vaccine against infections and bacteria.
- Optimal Nutrition:Â It is easy to digest and provides the perfect, changing balance of fats, proteins, and vitamins needed for growth.
- Disease Protection:Â Breastfed babies have a lower risk of diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and serious conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in pre-term infants.
- Long-Term Health:Â It helps reduce the risk of developing obesity, asthma, and Type 1 and 2 diabetes later in life.
- Brain Development:Â Studies suggest that breastfed children may have better cognitive development and higher IQ scores.
- Emotional Security:Â Skin-to-skin contact during feeding promotes bonding, providing comfort and security.
