August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and the DOH and National Nutrition Council, the highest-level policy-making and coordination organization on nutrition, encourage women to nurse their babies exclusively for about the first six months. Let us learn the importance of breastfeeding by reading this article entitled “Breastfeeding: Its Importance”.
The gift of breastfeeding is amazing for both you and your child. When you breastfeed, you typically give your baby breast milk straight from your breast, and Nursing is another name for it. It's a personal decision whether or not to breastfeed. However, one of the best strategies to ensure a child's health and survival is to breastfeed them. For newborns, breastmilk is the best food because it contains antibodies that aid in preventing a number of prevalent pediatric ailments, and it is secure and hygienic. Breastmilk continues to supply up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs during the second half of the first year of life and up to one third during the second year of life, providing all the energy and nutrients that the infant need for the first few months of life.
The antibodies found in breast milk aid your infant in fighting off germs and viruses. Your baby's risk of developing asthma or allergies is also decreased by breastfeeding. Furthermore, infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, without the use of formula, experience fewer ear infections, respiratory conditions, and episodes of diarrhea. They also visit the doctor and the hospital less frequently. In addition, some researchers have shown a correlation between breastfeeding and higher IQ scores in later life. Furthermore, for the nursing mother and the baby, breastfeeding offers a special emotional experience, your kid will bond with you and feel secure when you are physically close to him or her, touching them directly on their skin, and making eye contact. Moreover, Infants who are breastfed have a higher likelihood of gaining the proper amount of weight as they develop than of becoming overweight kids.
Breastfeeding has advantages that last for up to two years, especially for the mother. Breastfeeding burns additional calories and hastening your weight loss after pregnancy. It causes the production of the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the uterus's return to its pre-pregnancy size and may lessen postpartum uterine hemorrhage. It also reduces your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. You might experience less osteoporosis as a result.
Communities can take measures to support mothers who decide to breastfeed their children in order to help keep the infants healthy. Offering paid time off and providing facilities and access to pump breast milk are two examples of this. Never be reluctant to speak with your pediatrician if you are nursing your infant or if you have any concerns.
PDO – Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
Breastfeeding
https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Breastfeeding
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Benefits-of-Breastfeeding-for-Mom.aspx