Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby
Breast milk is the best food the mother can give to their babies for them to meet their nutritional needs. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is 6 months old. Breastfeeding continues until the baby is 6 months old, but is accompanied by supplemental feeding to meet the growing nutritional needs of babies.
Breast Milk Benefits For Babies
In addition to meeting the daily nutritional needs, here are the benefits of breast milk for babies:
- Reduces infection
Breastfed infants are known to have fewer infections during childhood. These infections include ear, respiratory, and digestive infections, and lower fever.
- Provides better immunity against viruses and bacteria
Breast milk contains maternal immunoglobulins, which are proteins produced by cells in the immune system to fight allergens, bacteria, and viruses that cause disease. These proteins can strengthen the baby's immune system.
- Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS is sudden death in infants under one year of age, the cause of which is difficult to find. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS for babies in under a month and a year.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Babies who are fed breast milk are less likely to become overweight during childhood compared to babies who are only bottle-fed.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
Breast milk can reduce the baby's risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Can meet nutritional needs
Babies' nutritional needs changes with the growth phase of the baby, especially in the first year. For this reason, the mother's breast milk production will also undergo adjustments.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers
The benefits of breastfeeding are not only felt by the baby, but also by the mother. These are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother:
- Accelerates recovery after pregnancy and childbirth
While breastfeeding, the body will release the oxytocin hormone in large amounts. This hormone can increase uterine contractions so that it can help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Helps lose weight after pregnancy
Breastfeeding mothers are known to lose more weight compared to non-breastfeeding mothers.
- Reduces the risk of depression
Mothers can also lower their risk of postpartum depression by breastfeeding their babies.
- Lowers the risk of some types of cancer
The longer the period of breastfeeding, the smaller the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Lowers the risk of various health problems
A study shows that mothers who breastfeed for 1-2 years have a 10-50% lower risk of several health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Bottle feeding can be an alternative for babies if there are circumstances that make it impossible for mothers to give breast milk directly. Although the nutritional value is the same as breast milk, the formula contains several vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that babies need to grow and develop.
Decide the correct time frame for bottle feeding as babies need more time to process the formula compared to breast milk.
Also read other interesting articles on Fitie, the one that understands women the most!
Sources :
Holland, K. & Nwadike, V. R. (2019). Guide to Breastfeeding: Benefits, How to, Diet, and More. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/breastfeeding
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800
Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 41 Tahun 2014 Tentang Pedoman Gizi Seimbang