Importance of breastfeeding and mothers’ milk
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies. It’s the perfect blend of vitamins, proteins, and fats to give your baby everything they need to grow and build immunity. All these nutrients are provided in a more digestible form in breast milk than powdered milk. Some women cannot breastfeed, while others simply choose not to breastfeed. The decision to breastfeed is a personal matter. However, research shows that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mother and baby. Let’s see some information around breastfeeding in this article.
When to feed the baby?
Crying is one of the most common ways babies let you know they are hungry. Other signs that your baby is ready to feed include: licking lips or sticking out tongue, digging, opening the mouth, and sucking random stuff out of nowhere.
Benefits of breast milk to the babies
- Nutrition
Most health authorities recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for at least six months. After that, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding for at least a year, as the baby’s diet contains a variety of foods. Breast milk is a combination of everything your baby needs during the first six months of life, in the right proportions. Its configuration adapts to the changing needs of babies, especially in the first few months of life.
During the first few days after giving birth, your breasts produce a thick, yellowish liquid called colostrum. Colostrum is high in protein, low in sugar, and rich in beneficial compounds. Colostrum is very ideal for helping the immature digestive tract of new born. After the first few days, your breasts will be able to produce more milk as your baby grows.
- Antibodies
Breast milk is an important source of antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and bacteria. In addition to several other antibodies, colostrum contains large amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA). When a mother is exposed to viruses or bacteria, her body starts making antibodies. These antibodies are excreted in breast milk and eventually passed on to the baby during breastfeeding.
Immunoglobulins protect babies from diseases by forming a protective layer on their nose, throat, and digestive system. It should be understood that this formula does not cover antibodies in infants. Numerous medical studies have shown that babies who are not breastfed are more likely to develop health problems such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and infections. Antibodies in breast milk, especially immunoglobulin A, prevent or fight diseases in babies.
- Immunity
As we know, breastfeeding has an impressive list of health benefits, and this is especially true when a baby is exclusively breastfed without formula for the first six months of life. Reduce your baby’s susceptibility to many illnesses and infections, including otitis media, respiratory tract infections, colds, intestinal infections, intestinal tissue damage, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergic disorders, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel. Breastfeeding also reduces hospitalizations and outpatient visits. These protective effects of breastfeeding appear to persist from childhood into adulthood.
- Healthy weight gain
Breast milk promotes ideal body weight and prevents obesity in children. Studies have shown that breastfed infants are 15-30% less likely to be obese than formula-fed infants. This may be due to the development of various intestinal bacteria. Breastfed babies have higher levels of gut bacteria, which can affect storage higher than a new born baby. Leptin is an important hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage. Breastfeeding babies learn to self-regulate their milk intake, which helps them develop healthy eating habits later in life.
- Improves the IQ of kids
Some research suggests that there are differences in the brain development of breastfed and formula-fed babies. Physical intimacy, skin-to-skin, and eye contact that help give can be to blame. Studies show that breastfeeding leads to higher IQ scores later in life. Additionally, babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop behavioural and learning problems as they get older. Breastfeeding contributes significantly to long-term brain development.
Benefits of breastfeeding to mothers
The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to babies. Mothers also get many health benefits from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, which can help you lose weight faster during pregnancy. It may help you return to your previous size and reduce uterine bleeding after childbirth.
Breastfeeding also significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed for 12 months or more have a 28% lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Recent research also suggests that breastfeeding protects against heart disease and other related ailments. It may also lower the risk of osteoporosis.
The best position for breastfeeding
The best position for you is one in which you and your baby are comfortable and relaxed, and you don’t have to force yourself to hold the position or continue breastfeeding. Common positions for breastfeeding a baby include:
Cradle position
Place your baby’s head next to your elbow so that the whole body is facing you. Bring your baby’s tummy close to your body so he feels fully supported. The other “free” arm can be wrapped around to support the baby’s head and neck. Alternatively, you can support your lower back through your baby’s legs.
Football position
With the baby’s back aligned with the forearms, hold the baby like a soccer ball and support the head and neck with his palms. This is perfect for new born and small babies. It is also suitable if you are recovering from a caesarean section and need to protect your tummy from the pressure and weight of your baby.
Lateral position
This position is perfect for late-night feedings in bed. The lateral recumbent position is also beneficial when recovering from an episiotomy, an incision made to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth. Use a pillow under your head for comfort. Next, lean against your baby and use your free hand to lift your breast and nipple into your baby’s mouth. Once your baby is properly “buckled up”, use your free hand to support the head and neck to keep your baby from twisting or straining while feeding.
Cross cradle hold
Sit upright in a comfortable chair with armrests. Hold your baby in the bend of your arm opposite the nursing breast. Support your head with your hands. Bring your baby across your body so that baby’s tummy is facing you. With your other hand, hold the baby’s chest in a U shape. Hold your baby’s mouth close to your chest and cradle him firmly without leaning forward.
Titus Health Tech Pvt Ltd is one of the leading names when it comes to manufacturing of world class, technologically advanced infant milk formula and other nutritional supplements. We support and promote mother’s milk. We believe that most babies should have only breast milk for the first 6 months of life and should be breastfed for at least 12 months. Keeping in mind, the nutritional requirements of nursing mothers, ProShake Mom, a nutrition drink for pregnant and lactating women by Titus health tech is a simple solution to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant or nursing (lactating) mothers. The perfect addition to a healthy diet, it provides a complete, balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It also helps provide the extra nutrition and energy needed by mother to care for a new born.
It’s low in fat and sugar and contains high-quality protein to help you gain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Just two servings a day can meet your RDA needs for vital nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It comes in two delicious flavours: vanilla flavour and premium chocolate flavour.
While breastfeeding their babies, some women need a little help and guidance. It can be provided by nurses, doctors, family members, or friends to help mothers overcome difficulties along the way. Many myths are surrounding breastfeeding but mothers must be well informed for the development of healthy babies and satisfied mothers. Consult your health care practitioner for more information.
Note: Titus Health Tech Pvt Ltd is most trusted nutrition company in India. Titus Health Tech is manufacturer and marketer of Infant milk formulas, Baby cereals, Pregnancy nutrition, Nutrition for kids and toddlers and other specialty products like sports and gym nutrition.
