Breast milk is nature’s perfect baby food. It contains immunity-boosting antibodies and healthy enzymes that scientists have yet to replicate. Here are some advantages of breast milk for babies:Protects against allergies and eczema. If there’s a history of either in your family, it may be especially beneficial for you to breastfeed. Proteins in cow’s milk and soy milk formulas can stimulate an allergic reaction, while the proteins in human breast milk are more easily digested.Causes less stomach upset, diarrhea, and constipation than formula. This is also because breast milk is so easy for your baby’s body to break down.Reduces the risk of viruses, urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, ear infections, and respiratory infections. “Lessens the risk of SIDS. Although the connection is unclear, breastfed infants account for only half as many SIDS cases as formula-fed infants do.Makes vaccines more effective. Research shows that breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies.You pass your baby immune factors and white blood cells through breast milk.May make your baby smarter. Research is still inconclusive, but studies are pointing toward breastfed babies having higher IQ scores later in life,
Breastfeeding benefits for baby
1. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babiesMost healthcare professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months or much longer. Breast milk contains everything baby needs for the first 6 months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during the first month of life. During the first days after birth, your breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It’s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula. Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows. About the only thing that may be lacking from your magical milk supply is vitamin D. Unless you have a very high intake (and most of us don’t), your breast milk won’t provide enough. Vitamin D drops are usually recommended.
2. Breast milk contains important antibodiesBreast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months. This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies. When you’re exposed to viruses or bacteria, you start producing antibodies that then go into the milk. Formula doesn’t provide antibody protection for babies. Numerous studiesTrusted Source show that babies who are not breastfed are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.
3. Breastfeeding may reduce disease riskExclusive breastfeedingTrusted Source, meaning that the infant receives only breast milk, is particularly beneficial.It may reduce your baby’s risk for many illnesses and diseases, including:Middle ear infections. Breastfeeding, particularly exclusively and as long as possible, may protect against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections well beyond infancyTrusted Source. Respiratory tract infections. Breastfeeding can protect against multiple respiratory and gastrointestinal acute illnesses.Colds and infections. Babies exclusively breastfed for 6 months may have a lower risk of getting serious colds and ear or throat infections.
Gut infections. Breastfeeding is linked with a reduction in gut infections.Intestinal tissue damage. Feeding preterm babies breast milk is linked with a reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitisTrusted Source.Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of SIDS, especially when breastfeeding exclusively. Allergic diseases. Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced riskTrusted Source of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.Bowel diseases. Babies who are breastfed may be less likely to develop Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Diabetes. Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced riskTrusted Source of developing type 1 diabetes and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes.Childhood leukemia. Breastfeeding is linked to a reduction in the risk for childhood leukemiaTrusted Source.
4. Breast milk promotes baby’s healthy weightBreastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity.One studyTrusted Source showed that breastfeeding for longer than 4 months had a significant reduction in the chances of a baby developing overweight and obesity.This may be due to the development of different gut bacteria. Breastfed babies have higher amountsTrusted Source of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage.Babies fed breast milk also have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a key hormone for regulating appetite and fat storage.Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake. They’re better at eating only until they’ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
5. Breastfeeding may make children smarterBreastfeeding may help baby ace those tests. Some studiesTrusted Source suggest there may be a difference in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies. This difference may be due to the physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding as well as nutrient content.StudiesTrusted Source indicate that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop behavioral problems have learning difficulties as they grow older. However, the most pronounced effects are seen in preterm babies, who have a higher risk for developmental issues.
