Benefits of mother feeding:
1. Nutritional Benefits
Breast milk is known as the perfect food for babies. It contains all the necessary nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies in the right proportions. It strengthens the immune system and helps protect the baby from infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses.
2. Strengthens Mother-Child Bond
Breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact, creating a sense of safety, warmth, and emotional bonding. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, helps deepen the connection between mother and child, which is essential for the baby’s emotional development.
3. Boosts Immunity
Mother’s milk contains natural antibodies that help protect the infant against common childhood diseases. Especially in the early months, colostrum (the first milk) is rich in immunoglobulins, which act like the baby’s first vaccine.
4. Helps in Brain Development
Research shows that breastfed babies often have better cognitive development. The essential fatty acids in breast milk aid in brain growth, resulting in higher IQ levels and improved academic performance later in life.
5. Economic and Convenient
Breastfeeding is free and always available. There is no need to spend money on formula, bottles, or sterilizing equipment. It is also more convenient, especially during travel or nighttime feeding.
6. Helps Mothers Heal
Mother feeding is not only beneficial for the baby but also helps mothers recover faster after childbirth. It reduces postpartum bleeding, helps the uterus return to its normal size, and even reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
7. Reduces Risk of Obesity
Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of becoming overweight as they grow older. This is because they learn to regulate their hunger and fullness cues naturally.
8. Emotional Well-being
Breastfeeding can also reduce postpartum depression in mothers due to the hormonal changes and the emotional comfort it provides. It can serve as a time of calmness, rest, and reflection.
9. Cultural and Religious Importance
In many cultures and religions, breastfeeding is seen as a sacred duty. Islam, for example, encourages mothers to feed their babies for two full years, recognizing its health and spiritual importance.
10. Global Health Recommendation
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for at least two years.