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Breast milk provides the perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat that the baby needs to grow. It is strongly recommended for the first 6 months. After the introduction of other foods, it is important to continue breastfeeding through the baby’s first year.
Breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother and her baby
- Breastfed babies have stronger immune systems and they become less prone to having:
- Diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis
- Colds and respiratory illnesses
- Ear infections
- Breastfed babies experience Improved brain maturation and may become healthier children with:
- Fewer instances of allergies, eczema and asthma
- Lower risk of type I diabetes
- Fewer instances of Crohn’s disease and colitis
- Less likelihood of becoming obese later in childhood
- Breastfeeding can help mothers to:
- Lower the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
- Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- Promote faster weight loss after birth
- Reduce the risk of postpartum depression
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics#1
Article: Lauren Wisnieski, MS, Jean Kerver, PhD, Claudia Holzman. Breastfeeding and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. November 3, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334417737038