Early pregnancy coincides with a series of changes in the to-be mother’s body. Among these is the gradual transformation in the breasts. There is increased sensation, coupled with a darkening of the area around the nipples and other changes. And as the pregnancy advances, the breasts continue to get fuller and heavier and may even start oozing liquid. These changes are not random, but a way of equipping the mother with the ultimate means of sustaining the baby after birth.
Breast milk is, after all, a wonder nutrient that does more than just satisfy the baby’s hunger. It provides nourishment, protects against illness and fosters healthy growth. Most doctors agree that – unless specific reasons exist not to do so – babies should be fed only breast milk up to at least the age of six months. Subsequently, breastfeeding may be continued till up to a year or even later, as desired.
Listed below are the advantages mother’s milk has over commercially sold formula feeds:
Provides nutrition: Nutritionally, breast milk is the most suitable food for the baby. It has just the right combination of nutrients required for the baby’s healthy development.
Helps digestion: Breast milk is gentler on the baby’s digestive system and reduces the risk of diarrhea and constipation.
Fights infections: Breast milk (and colostrum, the first milk, produced for few days after birth) is rich in antibodies, protein molecules that play a role in defending the body against disease. These protect the baby against the risk of infections, including stomach and respiratory diseases and urinary and other infections. This is especially beneficial for babies born prematurely. Because antibodies produced in the mother’s body in response to new infections are passed on to her milk, it offers continuing protection for the baby.
Prevents chronic conditions: Studies suggest that babies who were breastfed were less likely to suffer from serious chronic conditions, including type 1 diabetes, leukemia and high blood pressure.
Reduces allergies: According to research, breastfed babies run a much lower risk of developing allergies, whether related to food, the respiratory system or the skin.
Aids iron absorption: Iron from breast milk is much better absorbed than from formula. Breast milk is also a far superior alternative to cow’s milk for babies above six months, when the risk of anemia is high.
Checks obesity: Breast milk, which contains less insulin (responsible for boosting fat production), seems to decrease the risk of obesity later in life. Breastfed babies also seem to develop more regular feeding patterns.
Promotes intelligence: While the exact reason is not clear, breastfed children seem to have higher IQ levels.
Encourages bonding: Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for close and intimate contact, which helps the baby bond emotionally with the mother.
Stimulates taste sense: The flavor of breast milk, unlike formula feed, varies according to what the mother eats. This helps to familiarize the baby with different tastes, which may make weaning easier.
Early pregnancy coincides with a series of changes in the to-be mother’s body. Among these is the gradual transformation in the breasts. There is increased sensation, coupled with a darkening of the area around the nipples and other changes. And as the pregnancy advances, the breasts continue to get fuller and heavier and may even start oozing liquid. These changes are not random, but a way of equipping the mother with the ultimate means of sustaining the baby after birth.