Benefits of breastfeeding for a baby. Breastfeeding: its benefits and importance

Advantages breastfeeding so dominant over feeding artificial mixtures that this is not even a matter of dispute. A phenomenon given by nature - mother's milk - connects the baby with his mother in the first years of his life. This is a unique product that provides a child with the entire necessary set of nutrients in a perfectly balanced form. In today's article we will look at the most significant benefits of breastfeeding.

Why is breast milk considered the most suitable food for a newborn?

Breast milk is the ideal first food for a newborn, because its composition meets all the quality requirements for the first food for a newborn. It includes substances necessary for the normal growth and development of the baby. Regardless of the mother's diet, if she is not malnourished and maintains normal drinking regime, the child will in any case get everything he needs from milk.

Benefits of breastfeeding

The sad cases where young mothers refuse to breastfeed are reprehensible, and this happens because the young woman simply does not know the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast milk is the healthiest food for your baby, and here's why:

Breast milk contains an optimal balance of all the nutrients a baby needs, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Thanks to the substances found in colostrum and breast milk, the baby's intestines are seeded with beneficial microflora.
Breast milk is absorbed absolutely without problems and does not provoke allergies.
Protective substances, immunoglobulins, enzymes help form the baby’s immune system.
Mother's milk always has the right temperature for feeding.

Pros of nutrition

Unique mechanisms laid down by nature, with a normally established lactation process, regulate the composition and amount of milk produced, always exactly in accordance with the needs of the baby.

The composition of milk in the breast changes throughout the day, as well as during one feeding. First, the baby sucks out the “front” milk; it is thinner and saturates the baby with the right amount of liquid and useful components. By the end of feeding, “hind” milk is produced, which is fattier, and thanks to it, the baby feels a feeling of fullness.

A well-established lactation process fully provides the child with everything that is required for good growth and development.

Another advantage of breastfeeding is that it is impossible to overfeed a child with mother’s milk. Medical statistics show that the tendency to obesity begins early in life, and a common reason for this is poor nutrition. Phenomenon breast milk The point is that even if the baby practically “hangs” on his chest day and night, he will never receive an excess amount of it.

The benefits of physical and mental development

A very close spiritual and emotional connection between mother and baby is possible only at the moment of feeding. Being at the mother's breast, the baby not only gets enough, but also satisfies his need for warmth and love, communication with his mother.

Breastfeeding allows the baby to grow up mentally healthy, develops his memory, intellectual abilities, and helps relieve stressful moments. Contrary to popular belief that being at the baby’s breast makes him a “mama’s boy,” breastfeeding helps the baby grow up to be a calm, self-confident person.

Children whose mothers breastfeed are less likely to develop malocclusions than those who use pacifiers and pacifiers, which can lead to a crooked jaw.

Children who feed on breast milk are less susceptible to diseases of the digestive tract, various infections and allergic manifestations.

Breastfeeding provokes the production of oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, and this has a beneficial effect on the speedy restoration of the female reproductive system, shortening postpartum period, reduces the risk of bleeding.

If a nursing mother takes a special vitamin complex and eats rationally, then after menopause she will be less likely to develop osteoporosis. Also, breastfeeding mothers are not at risk for developing ovarian cancer or mammary gland. Breastfeeding helps eliminate a number of diseases of the female reproductive system (polycystic disease, endometriosis, etc.).

Breastfeeding has a beneficial effect on a woman’s psycho-emotional background, reducing the risk of depression after childbirth. In addition, thanks to breastfeeding, loved ones are laid and trusting relationship baby with mother, this connection helps the mother better understand the needs and desires of her baby.

Benefits of breastfeeding from an economic and practical point of view

Breastfeeding is the most beneficial and convenient method of feeding. A young mother is deprived of the need to constantly sterilize the dishes that are needed to feed the baby, prepare the formula and wait until it reaches the desired temperature, which takes away several hours of precious night sleep, which is so necessary for her to recuperate.

Artificial formulas are not so cheap, and the chosen formula is not always suitable for the child.
The advantage of breastfeeding is that ready-made food for the baby, heated to the right temperature, is always nearby. Even if a mother needs to travel with her baby, she will not need to worry about the formula in the bottle disappearing - the milk in the breast is always fresh.
When breastfeeding, a mother can afford more time to rest. Sitting comfortably in a chair, you feed your baby and at the same time relax. Night feeding allows you to move your baby closer without getting out of bed and feed him while lying down.

If a young mother has decided for herself that she will breastfeed her baby, then she will be quite capable of establishing successful lactation in order to raise a healthy and happy child.

By taking the time to establish breastfeeding, a woman will be able to provide her child with all the necessary nutrients, and by maintaining natural feeding until two years of age, she will be able to help the child’s immunity develop and strengthen.

Breastfeeding a child does not always bring pleasure and relief to the mother. Not all women experience joyful feelings when breastfeeding - cracked nipples, pain, mastitis, lactostasis or lack of milk can drive anyone to despair.

Often young, inexperienced mothers, having experienced the first difficulties of breastfeeding, are faced with a choice: continue to feed the baby with their milk no matter what, or transfer the baby to artificial nutrition. So that you don't have to regret the decision taken, you need to figure out how important breastfeeding is for a child and his mother.

Benefits of breastfeeding for a baby

Children in the first year of life who are breastfed grow and develop faster than their formula-fed peers because they receive all the substances necessary for the body from mother's milk.

This is perhaps the most important argument in favor of breastfeeding. However, in addition to this, breastfeeding provides the child with:

quick and easy digestion of milk - the main food product
formation of immunity and protection against infectious diseases
maximum protection against skin diseases and allergic rashes
rapid recovery from illnesses
calmness and a sense of security at the mother's breast
satisfying the sucking reflex without using a pacifier
good health in older age, after stopping breastfeeding

Benefits of breastfeeding for mother

It is a mistaken belief that breastfeeding a child spoils a woman’s figure and takes away her strength. In fact, breastfeeding is beneficial for both the baby and the mother. Women who are breastfeeding:

recover faster after childbirth
reduce the risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer
are protected from a new pregnancy using a natural method
save about $1000 a year on baby food
keep fit by following a diet in the first months of breastfeeding
don’t know what sleepless nights are - babies quickly fall asleep at the breast
no hassle with preparing the mixture or sterilizing bottles
connected with the baby on a subtle emotional and sensory level

Disadvantages of Breastfeeding

No matter how many benefits breastfeeding has, back side medals also makes itself felt. Mistakes made in organizing the feeding of a child can turn it into an unpleasant and sometimes even painful process for the mother and dangerous for the baby.

A nursing mother who does not take special vitamins can easily lose most of her hair in the first few months after giving birth - it will begin to fall out and split.

One of the disadvantages of breastfeeding is the loss and deterioration of the mother's hair.

Teeth and nails also come under attack – they become unnaturally brittle and brittle. You can stop these processes by starting to take a vitamin and mineral complex for nursing mothers.

If a nursing mother does not exercise, her breasts will most likely change shape, not for the better. Loss of elasticity, decrease or unnatural increase in size, stretch marks, nipple wounds from the child’s sharp teeth, loss of sensitivity - all these troubles can also beset a woman’s delicate breasts while breastfeeding.

Unexpected moments for a nursing mother can also include:

“leaky” weak nipples – the breast may not hold the entire volume of milk and begin to spontaneously release it in large quantities at the wrong moment
24-hour attachment to the feeding schedule - if the child is not accustomed to a bottle, the mother will have to be constantly nearby so as not to leave the child hungry for a long time
baby's refusal to sleep without mother's breast
the need to follow a strict diet to avoid the baby from developing colic, bowel problems and allergic reactions
drowsiness that occurs under the influence of endorphins produced by the body during feeding

Constant sleepiness - lack of breastfeeding

IMPORTANT: A woman can avoid all of the listed troubles of breastfeeding by preparing for what is to come mentally and physically.

Breastfeeding may become unsafe for the baby if:

mother does not follow a diet, eats spicy, fried, smoked and fatty foods
Mom drinks alcohol and coffee, smokes
The baby has lactose intolerance
a mother may fall fast asleep while feeding and accidentally crush the baby, cutting off his air supply

Natural feeding of children in the first year of life: rules and periods

Establishing natural breastfeeding is not so easy. In the first few days after birth, the mother may not have milk at all. This is absolutely normal, but many women, out of ignorance, do not put the baby to the breast, thereby making a serious mistake already at this initial stage.

IMPORTANT: The baby should be put to the breast for the first time in the delivery room, immediately after birth. It is very important for the baby to receive colostrum, which always comes before milk.

In the future, the baby is given breastfeeding as often as possible. As practice shows, women who do not adhere to a feeding schedule and breastfeed their baby on demand manage to preserve milk and establish breastfeeding more often than mothers who feed their babies “by the hour.”

A young mother should not give in to the persuasion of older relatives to “give the baby formula so that he can eat enough” and pay attention to their meaningful sighs about the length of time the baby stays near the breast.

IMPORTANT: During the first 2–4 months, many children instinctively ask to be held in their arms, under the chest. In this case, the child can suck in order to get enough, only 10 - 20 minutes, and the rest of the time he can just sleep, without letting the nipple out of his mouth. You should not deprive your baby of this pleasure. Very little time will pass and he will set the most acceptable schedule of food and rest for himself.

It is noteworthy that for those mothers who feed their baby on demand, the problem of pumping naturally disappears. The breasts are not overfilled with “extra” milk.

Feeding on demand is a must for breastfeeding

In the former Soviet Union, new mothers were taught to stick to a feeding schedule of three-hour intervals. This is absolutely false. After all, while the baby is very small, he may need breast milk every 1 – 1.5 hours. Thus, by sticking to schedules and following routines, the mother is simply depriving the child of necessary nutrition.

IMPORTANT: There is no need to be afraid that the child will overeat or not eat enough. Nature will wisely put everything in its place, and the mother’s job is to simply give breast to the baby according to his every desire.

Once complementary foods appear in the baby's diet, his need for breast milk will decrease slightly. Gradually, the mother will be able to replace breastfeeding by offering the baby previously introduced foods.

In the first months after birth, the baby can “hang” on the chest for 20 hours a day

How long should you breastfeed your baby?

Define optimal age it is impossible to wean a child from breastfeeding. Some children themselves abruptly refuse to breastfeed as soon as they try complementary feeding, others leave their mother’s breast gradually, latching only at night or in stressful situations, and still others are not ready to say goodbye to their favorite treat even at the age of three.

It is a mistakenly outdated opinion that breastfeeding a child over 1 year of age is inappropriate. Previously, it was believed that “late” milk no longer contained useful substances necessary for the growth and development of the baby.

IMPORTANT: Research in recent years has proven that over time, the percentage of fat content and the content of vital vitamins and microelements in breast milk increases. Continuing to receive breast milk after a year, children almost completely satisfy the body’s need for protein, calcium, vitamins A, B12, C.

How long to breastfeed a child is up to the mother to decide

Don't look around in search of the right decision. Every mother is able to intuitively feel whether her child is ready for weaning. To do this, you just need to listen to yourself and your child.

Video: Breastfeeding. How long? — School of Dr. Komarovsky

Natural feeding is feeding a baby with human milk by putting the baby to the breast. When a mother has a question about why she should breastfeed her baby, she should first of all know the benefits of feeding her baby with breast milk and how radically it differs from cow's milk.

Benefits of breastfeeding your baby:

Human milk is a unique and most balanced food product for a child of the first year of life;
The composition of each mother's breast milk exactly corresponds to the needs of her baby for various substances: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals;
Mother's milk contains special substances - enzymes that promote the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
Mother's milk contains immunoglobulins and immune cells that protect the baby from most infectious diseases: intestinal infections, infectious hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus and others;
Breast milk contains substances that regulate the growth and development of the child (hormones, growth factors, taurine, zinc, iodine, etc.);
In the process of breastfeeding, a special, very close relationship arises between mother and child, the warmth of which remains throughout the rest of life;
Breastfeeding is good for the mother's health because... it promotes contraction of the uterus after childbirth, helps restore the figure and is the best prevention of mastopathy and breast cancer.

The difference between breast milk and cow's milk:

Protein content. Breast milk contains less protein than cow's milk; fine fractions predominate in it; particles of coarse casein protein are several times smaller, which ensures that breast milk curdles in the stomach into more delicate flakes, which facilitates the digestion process.
Breast milk proteins are similar to plasma proteins, and cow's milk proteins have pronounced antigen activity, which contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions.
The amino acid content in breast milk is lower, which is more optimal for the baby. IN cow's milk There are three times more amino acids, this leads to protein overload, which can lead to metabolic disorders.
Human milk, especially colostrum, released in the first three days, is very rich in immunoglobulins, especially A, which plays an important role in creating local immunity in the gastrointestinal tract of newborns. The level of lysozyme is 300 times higher than in cow's milk. It contains the antibiotic lactofelicin. Thereby infant has good immuno-biological protection.
The amount of fat is the same, but there is an important distinguishing feature, this is the composition of fat. Unsaturated fats predominate in breast milk. It has been proven that artificial feeding often leads to obesity.
Carbohydrates are found in large quantities in breast milk.
Breast milk is rich in enzymes: amylase, trypsin, lipase. Cow's milk contains hundreds of times less enzymes. This compensates for the child’s temporary low enzymatic activity and ensures the absorption of a fairly large volume of food.
Mineral composition of breast milk: the amount of calcium and phosphorus is less than in cow's milk, but absorption is twice as good, so breast-fed children are much less likely to suffer from rickets. The content of bioelements (sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.) in breast milk is optimal and meets the baby’s needs. In breast milk a large number of vitamin D, which helps prevent rickets.

Basic principles of successful breastfeeding:

1. Strictly adhere to the established rules of breastfeeding and regularly bring these rules to the attention of medical personnel and postpartum women.
2. Train medical personnel in the necessary skills to practice breastfeeding.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first half hour after birth.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are temporarily separated from their children.
6. Do not give newborns any food or drink other than breast milk, except for medical reasons.
7. Practice keeping the mother and newborn side by side in the same room around the clock.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand rather than on a schedule.
9. Do not give breastfed newborns any sedatives or devices that imitate the mother's breast (pacifiers, pacifiers).
10. Encourage the organization of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to these groups after discharge from the maternity hospital.

Rules necessary for successful feeding:

1) early attachment of the baby to the breast (in the delivery room);

2) in the first weeks, it is advisable to provide the child with a free feeding regime (at the child’s request) and only later transfer the child to feeding according to the hour, which he himself chose;

3) when introducing complementary foods, to prevent the extinction of lactation, it is recommended to put the baby to the breast at the end of each feeding;

4) if there is not enough milk, it is necessary to put the baby to the breast often. We must remember that every drop of mother’s milk is priceless for an infant. At the same time, frequent breastfeeding can increase milk production in the mammary gland.

Possible contraindications to breastfeeding from the mother:

Eclampsia;

Heavy bleeding during or after childbirth;

Open form of tuberculosis;

Decompensation or chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys,

liver, as well as hyperthyroidism;

Acute mental illness;

Particularly dangerous infections;

Herpetic rashes on the nipple of the mammary gland (before further treatment);

HIV infection;

Mastitis in a woman: upon detection of massive growth of St.aureus ≥ 250 CFU in 1 ml and/or single growth of Enterobacteriacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( Guidelines on bacteriological control of breast milk, Moscow, 1984);

Taking cytostatics, immunosuppressive drugs, anticoagulants, some antibacterial drugs;

Alcohol and nicotine addiction.

Breastfeeding can continue during a new pregnancy.

Contraindications to early breastfeeding by the mother on the part of the child:

Apgar score below 7 points;

Birth injury;

Convulsions;

Deep prematurity;

Severe malformations (gastrointestinal tract, maxillofacial apparatus, heart, etc.);

Delivery by surgery C-section(under anesthesia).

Absolute contraindications to breastfeeding on the part of the child at subsequent stages of lactation:

Hereditary enzymopathies (galactosemia);

Phenylketonuria (with individual selection of therapeutic nutrition).

In the first days after birth, it is important for the formation of lactation:

early breastfeeding,

feeding the baby on demand,

mother and child living together,

prevention of lactic crisis.

Your baby has been born. Every mother tries to give her child only the best. Let us examine in detail the benefits of breastfeeding for the child and mother.

The World Health Organization and pediatricians around the world are on the side of natural feeding and actively recommend it. The right to choose the feeding method remains, of course, with the mother. To make the right decision, we will try to explain in detail all aspects of breastfeeding.

Benefits of breastfeeding babies

Mother's milk is by nature a perfect, valuable product. Nature has invested in it all the most valuable qualities that ensure life, health, proper development baby.

The optimal required quantity, a balanced ratio of nutrients, an easily digestible form, all these qualities are adapted to the physiological and biochemical processes of the child’s body. Such properties are very important, since the organs and systems of a newborn are not yet fully developed.

Until now, scientists are discovering more and more valuable components in human milk. It’s amazing how nature has thought through everything: composition and properties.

So, let's look at the contents of breast milk to understand why it is so invaluable to babies.

Vitamins

Human milk is rich in vitamins (especially A, E, D), minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus). All these components are in an easily digestible form, thanks to which the body does not need to expend effort on digesting them.

Squirrels

We all know from biology courses that protein is necessary as a building material for cells, and it is vital for a rapidly growing organism. Amino acids are ideally adapted to metabolic processes that have not yet been perfected. They are easily digestible.

Fats

In breast milk they are absorbed by the child by 90-95%. Fats contain fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which are very important for a newborn baby.

Carbohydrates

They are represented by lactose, which has a bifidogenic property, promotes the development of beneficial intestinal microflora of the baby, while preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Minerals

Human milk is rich in many minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. Their properties prevent the development of rickets, malnutrition and other diseases.

Hormones

Immunoglobulins

Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick and have a lower percentage of chronic diseases. This is due to the content of immunoglobulins, antibodies that help the child’s immature immunity to reach perfection.

Remember.The first drops of milk - colostrum - contain a particularly high concentration of immunoglobulins. Helps protect the baby's body from pathogenic microbes that he encounters in the first moments of his life. No formula can replace this property of breast milk.

Enzymes

Human milk is rich in special enzymes necessary for the process of breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

The value of human milk is limitless:
has a protective function, strengthens the immune system, which is a barrier to many diseases;
milk is sterile, so there is no need for additional processing;
the baby receives milk at a comfortable temperature;
balanced content of nutrients in an easily digestible form;
ease of feeding, no need for additional attributes;
improves the baby's brain function, which promotes better psychomotor development.

According to research by the international organization UNICEF, it has been proven that during six months of breastfeeding, a child’s IQ increases by 6-8 points.

The healing properties of mother's milk

Human milk research has proven it medicinal properties. Helps with various problems.

Milk is sterile and contains antibodies, which helps fight conjunctivitis, which is often found in babies. A few drops of expressed milk will help get rid of this trouble.

Ear diseases can be easily cured with 2-3 drops of expressed milk, instilled every 3-4 hours, you can do without the help of antibiotics.

For minor burns, including sunburn, smearing the burn area with a swab moistened with breast milk will relieve pain and help healing.

Light scratches, insect bites, and diaper rash can also be treated with human milk.

Cracked nipples that occur in the first months of feeding can be easily cured with breast milk. After feeding and expressing the remaining milk, you need to rinse your breasts with warm water, then express a couple of drops and lubricate the affected areas. This will help relieve pain and heal cracks.

Benefits of breastfeeding for women

There is no more beautiful picture than a mother feeding her child. A woman during motherhood becomes even more beautiful and sensual. At all times, artists have admired and painted pictures of mothers breastfeeding their babies. An important fact is that a lot depends on the correct attachment of the baby to the breast; you can see in detail how to do this in this article.

Feeding brings a lot of positive aspects:

During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is produced. It enhances uterine contractions, which prevents postpartum hemorrhage.
Immediately after birth, the baby is put to the breast, at this moment not only oxytocin is produced, but also another hormone - prolactin. It is responsible for the production of breast milk.
Scientists have proven that breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers are less common in nursing mothers.
When breastfeeding, the bond between woman and child becomes stronger, and the maternal instinct flares up with greater force.

When a surrogate mother is carrying a child, psychologists do not recommend putting the child to the breast. This may cause doubt in the decision to give the child to the parents and further complex psycho-emotional problems.

Natural feeding is convenient and economical. A woman does not need to take a lot of bottles, formula, etc. with her when going for a walk or get up at night to sterilize a bottle and prepare an artificial formula.

Psychological benefits of breastfeeding

Science has proven that children fed with breast milk are different from children who are breastfed. artificial feeding. Such children are better developed physically and emotionally.

In the process of breastfeeding, mother and baby are united. In addition, breastfeeding is a further foundation for development in older age.

They are more active, balanced, psychologically. Such children are more resistant in various stressful situations. For example, first visit kindergarten, schools. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly organize the nutrition of a newborn.

As a rule, such kids grow up to be friendly, sociable and friendly people. The emotional attachment of a child to his mother does not pass without a trace; in the future, they grow into attentive, caring parents.

All the warmth, love and tenderness of a mother is transmitted with mother's milk. A bottle of the mixture will never be able to convey energy, emotional warmth, or security. There are many known cases when mothers immediately after the birth of their baby wanted to give up their baby for various reasons. As soon as they fed the child at least once, the decision changed in favor of the baby.

Reading time: 6 minutes. Views 1.7k. Published 11/12/2017

Hello, dear readers.

We are sure that today’s topic will be of interest not only to established mothers (they already know what breastfeeding is and what its true value is), but also to expectant mothers, and perhaps even to those girls who are not very keen on having children. Views change, intentions change too, suddenly you change your mind, and you will already know where you can get useful information...

Human breast milk is a unique valuable product, recognized throughout the world as the best nutrition for a child. The advantages of breastfeeding over artificial feeding have long been proven by experts. Yes, mixtures cannot be compared, everyone knows that. But let’s not throw around general phrases; our task is to specifically understand what benefits breastfeeding brings to both: both the mother and her baby.

Nutritional value of milk

Breast milk contains large amounts of vital necessary for the baby substances. His unique composition includes vitamins and microelements that are important for the full growth and development of the child.

Protein

Vitamins

All essential vitamins are contained in the optimal dosage for better absorption by infants.

Water

Mother's milk contains water, which ensures the normal functioning of all the baby's organs.

Prebiotics

Their action is aimed at the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora.

Beneficial Antibodies

Together with breast milk, the child receives antibodies that form his immunity.

Digestive enzymes

Promote the breakdown of sugar and protein.

Types of breast milk

There are three types of breast milk - colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk. They differ in their quality characteristics.

Colostrum

This is a substance that begins to be produced by the female body immediately after childbirth. It has yellow tint and differs in viscosity. Its use by a newborn baby is mandatory.

Colostrum contains a large amount of fats, antibodies and valuable microelements. It protects the child from the adverse effects of the environment, and helps the newborn to adapt most comfortably to the new environment.

Transition milk

It replaces colostrum 4-5 days after birth. The concentration of fats in it becomes less, but the nutritional value does not change.

Mature milk

2 weeks after birth female body begins the production of mature milk. It contains a large amount of water and a concentration of nutrients necessary for the further full development and growth of the child.

Benefits of breast milk

The benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother are undeniable. When breastfeeding, a woman gives her baby exactly those microelements and nutrients that he needs at a certain period of his development.

For a child, mother’s milk is the basis for the proper formation of all organs and systems.

Here are all the benefits of breast milk:

does not cause allergic reactions;
helps normalize the child’s stool and form beneficial intestinal microflora;
regulates acid balance gastrointestinal tract;
provides the necessary energy;
forms the child’s immune system, providing his body with the necessary antibodies. Breastfeeding is a powerful protection for the baby from viruses and infections;
ensures easy absorption of nutrients;
influences the formation of correct bite;
helps to establish psycho-emotional contact between mother and baby;
reduces the risk of developing nervous tension and anxiety;
gives the baby a feeling of comfort and security;
is a balanced sterile product, with an optimal temperature for feeding a child.

For the mother, breastfeeding is no less important than for the baby.

During breastfeeding a woman:

hormonal levels are normalized;
the uterus contracts and quickly recovers after childbirth;
the possibility of re-fertilization is minimized;
the psycho-emotional background is stabilized, anxiety is reduced;
immunity is restored and strengthened;
the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer is reduced.

In short, the process of breastfeeding is important for both the child and the mother. It is impossible to obtain such invaluable benefits for a woman and baby with artificial feeding.

Possible problems

Breastfeeding experts say that all possible problems with breastfeeding arise due to improper latching technique. The most common:

the appearance of cracks in the nipples;
the occurrence of mastitis;
pain in the chest area.

These problems can be solved if you learn to breastfeed and follow a few simple rules.

Before breastfeeding, wash your breasts with boiled water.
Alternately change breasts with each new feeding.
Make sure that the baby captures not only the nipple, but also the areola with his mouth.
The baby should be pressed tightly against the mother during feeding.
If there are cracks in the nipples, after feeding, it is recommended to wash the breasts again and lubricate the damaged areas with antiseptic ointment.
If lumps occur in your breasts, contact a mammologist who will prescribe treatment and teach you how to properly massage the mammary glands. This will prevent the seal from reoccurring.
If there are lumps, frequently putting the baby to the sore breast helps. The baby, when making sucking movements, additionally massages the breast and eliminates blockage of the canals.
Expressing milk stimulates increased milk production. If you have good lactation, then try to express breast milk less.

Until what age should a child be fed breast milk?

Doctors advise women not to interrupt breastfeeding for at least a year. The first year of a baby's life is the most important. During this period, the foundation of his health, mental and physical development is laid.

Some mothers feed their children until three years and more. Experts insist that the maximum period of feeding should be no more than three years. This is explained by the fact that milk production uses reserves of nutrients and microelements accumulated during a woman’s pregnancy. During breastfeeding, they are depleted and the extraction of necessary substances from the mother’s body begins.

At the same time, after three years from the moment of birth, mother’s milk becomes less valuable and nutritious. Therefore, long-term breastfeeding is not a necessity, but a habit.

Reminder for nursing mothers

Breastfeeding should be enjoyable for both mother and baby. If you are sick, do not stop breastfeeding under any circumstances, as this will only provoke possible infection. With mother's milk, the necessary antibodies are transferred to the baby, strengthening its immunity and increasing the body's resistance to pathogens of infectious and viral diseases.

Drawing conclusions

The balanced nutritional composition of breast milk and the advantages of breastfeeding over artificial feeding have long been proven by doctors. This priceless gift given to a woman by nature itself should not be neglected. Remember that only mother's milk can help the baby in full development and the formation of strong immunity. This, in turn, affects how resistant your baby will be to diseases in the future.

Learn correct technique attaching your baby to your breast, and you can avoid the main problems when feeding - cracks, lumps and pain in the breast and nipples.

Do not stop breastfeeding during the first year of your baby's life. It is fundamental in further development baby. Also, do not forget that breastfeeding is important not only for the baby, but also for the mother. It allows you to quickly recover from childbirth and normalize a woman’s hormonal and emotional background.

Dear readers, leave your comments and share the link to the article with your friends in in social networks. It is important that as much as possible more women knew about the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child.