Breast milk is an essential food for the baby which, in addition to ensuring that it has all the nutrients necessary for normal growth and development, brings several health benefits, such as preventing diarrhea, strengthening the immune system or preventing the emergence of nutritional deficiencies.
Breast milk is the only food that babies need until they are 6 months old, and there is no need to supplement their diet with any other food or liquid, not even water.
For all the benefits of breast milk, whenever possible, women should be encouraged to breastfeed. However, there are some situations in which breastfeeding may be contraindicated, such as when the mother has HIV, uses drugs or is undergoing cancer treatment, for example. See the main contraindications for breastfeeding.
The main benefits of breast milk for the baby are:
1. Provide all nutrients to the baby
Breast milk is produced in a balanced way, having an adequate composition of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water, to promote the growth and development of the baby.
Ideally, the baby should suck all the milk from one breast before switching to the other, as this way he receives all the nutrients from the full feed.
2. Facilitate digestion
Breast milk is easily digested by the baby’s intestine, which favors adequate absorption of nutrients and increased feeding frequency.
Typically, when a child consumes powdered infant formula, digestion is slower, which can cause some gastric discomfort.
3. Reduce cramps
The ease of digestion of breast milk also helps to avoid problems such as gas and intestinal colic, in addition to containing substances responsible for protecting and repairing the newborn’s intestine.
4. Prevent anemia
Breast milk contains a type of iron that is highly absorbed by the baby’s intestine, in addition to containing vitamin B12 and folic acid, important for the production of red blood cells, the cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.
See all the nutrients in breast milk.
5. Avoid diarrhea
Breast milk is rich in bacteria that populate the newborn’s intestine and create a balanced intestinal flora, acting as a protective barrier that also helps with digestion and regulation of intestinal transit.
6. Strengthen the immune system
Because it is rich in antibodies produced by the mother, breast milk is a natural way to strengthen the baby’s body’s defenses, protecting the child against problems such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, earache and intestinal problems, for example.
Breast milk even helps prevent serious illnesses early in the newborn’s life. If the baby becomes sick, the mother’s body increases the amount of proteins and defense cells in the milk, facilitating the baby’s recovery.
7. Stimulate the development of the nervous system
Breast milk is rich in DHA, a type of good fat that participates in the formation of neurons and promotes memory, learning and attention.
DHA is one of the components of omega-3, an important nutrient also for preventing neurological problems such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s and dementia.
8. Prevent obesity
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, children who breastfeed during childhood have a lower risk of having problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems throughout their lives.
9. Prevent allergies
Babies who are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age have a lower chance of developing food allergies, especially allergies to milk, soy, fish and shellfish, eggs and peanuts.
Also find out what not to eat while breastfeeding to avoid problems for the baby.
10. Always be ready to be consumed
Finally, in addition to being the best food for the baby, breast milk is always ready, at the appropriate temperature and free from contamination that could cause diarrhea and infections in the newborn.
Benefits of breastfeeding for women
Breastfeeding can also bring benefits to women, the main ones being:
- Promote faster weight loss after giving birth, as breastfeeding helps you burn around 500 additional calories per day to create and maintain your milk supply;
- Help to have a faster recovery after childbirth, as it stimulates the contractions of the uterus so that it returns to its normal size and reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding;
- Reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type E diabetes and hypertension;
- Reduce the risk of urinary tract infection;
- Reduce the chance of anemia;
- Increase women’s confidence and self-esteem.
Furthermore, breastfeeding helps women maintain a healthier emotional state, reducing the risk of postpartum depression, as breastfeeding naturally produces calming hormones, such as oxytocin and prolactin, which promote stress reduction.
