
The Advantages of Breastfeeding Exclusively
- Babies who are exclusively breastfed recover quicker from colds and infections. Breast milk also prevents babies from becoming sick.
- Family planning and spacing advantages. ...
- It reduces the chances of ovarian and breast cancer in the mother.
- If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you won’t need to buy expensive supplements or bottles.
What is the importance of exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding was uncommon. Most mothers ceased EBF within 1 week after birth. Adequate information about EBF by health professionals around delivery seems to encourage its use. To encourage EBF in Niger, it is important to educate health ...
Why breastfeeding is better than Formula?
- Hormones
- Growth factors
- Digestive Enzymes
- Anti-Parasites
- Anti-viruses
- Antibodies
- Anti-allergies
- Anti-infections
What are the pros and cons of breastfeeding?
Pros of breastfeeding
- Health benefits for the baby. Breastfeeding is a reliable way to provide a baby with all the nutrients they need. ...
- Health benefits for the woman breastfeeding. ...
- Long-term benefits. ...
- Cost savings. ...
- Ease and convenience. ...
- Bonding and easy soothing. ...
What's the best substitute for breastfeeding?
5 Best Alternatives To Breast Milk And Baby Formula
- Holle Organic Infant Formula. Holle is a European based company that has been established for over 80 years. ...
- Goat's Milk. Goat's milk is often considered to be the next best thing to breastmilk. ...
- Coconut Milk. Another non-dairy plant-based offering comes from the humble coconut. ...
- Homemade Formula. ...
- Hemp Milk. ...

What are 5 benefits to breastfeeding?
5 Benefits of BreastfeedingBreastmilk is the best milk. The nutrients in breastmilk are unmatched by any other first food your baby can receive. ... It boosts baby's immune system. Breastmilk is a strong illness-inhibiting food. ... It balances baby's belly. ... Breastmilk is easily digestible. ... Breastfeeding benefits mom, too!
Is exclusively breastfeeding better?
Only breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life is best for your baby. This is called "exclusive" breastfeeding. Breastmilk can be expressed and fed to your baby in a bottle, as needed. You should not give your baby water, sugar water, formula, or solids during his or her first 6 months.
How long should you exclusively breastfeed for?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.
What are the disadvantages of exclusive breastfeeding?
ConsYou may feel discomfort, particularly during the first few days or weeks.There isn't a way to measure how much your baby is eating.You'll need to watch your medication use, caffeine, and alcohol intake. Some substances that go into your body are passed to the baby through your milk.Newborns eat frequently.
Why should I exclusively breastfeed for 6 months?
These advantages include a lower risk of gastrointestinal infection for the baby, more rapid maternal weight loss after birth, and delayed return of menstrual periods. No reduced risks of other infections or of allergic diseases have been demonstrated.
What are 5 disadvantages of breastfeeding?
Cons of breastfeedingAdjustment period and pain. The early weeks of breastfeeding are often the most difficult. ... The benefits may be exaggerated. The benefits of breastfeeding, especially the cognitive benefits, may be exaggerated. ... Loss of bodily autonomy. ... Lack of social support. ... Uneven distribution of parenting work.
Are breastfed babies smarter?
Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and earn more money, a new study shows. Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and they earn more money, too, a new study shows.
Can I do exclusive breastfeeding with water?
"Exclusive breastfeeding" is defined as giving no other food or drink – not even water – except breast milk. It does, however, allow the infant to receive oral rehydration salts (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines).
Can a baby survive on only breast milk?
Six months of breastmilk alone is too long and could harm babies, scientists now say.
Is 3 months good enough for breastfeeding?
IF YOU BREASTFEED YOUR BABY FOR 3–4 MONTHS, her digestive system will have matured a great deal, and she will be much better able to tolerate the foreign substances in formula. Giving nothing but your breastmilk for the first 6 months helps to protect against infections (eg ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal).
What happens if I don't breastfeed for 3 days?
"Most women will experience breast engorgement and milk let-down two to three days after delivery, and many women will leak during those first few days, as well," she says. But, if you're not nursing or pumping, your supply will decline in less than seven days.
What are 3 benefits for mom if she breastfeeds?
Breastfeeding is healthier for mom physically: Promotes faster weight loss after birth, burning about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain a milk supply. Stimulates the uterus to contract and return to normal size. Less postpartum bleeding. Fewer urinary tract infections.
What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding means that a baby is fed only breast milk for the first six months of his life, with no additional food or drinks. This is the best nourishment for the baby, who is not even given water.
Why is it important to breastfeed exclusively?
Exclusive breastfeeding helps the new mother to lose weight after delivery. Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to experience postpartum depression.
Why is breast milk important?
Breast milk not only provides the ideal mix of nutrients to aid in the proper growth and development of babies but also contains essential antibodies. These antibodies are necessary to strengthen the immune system and fight off infections and diseases . In this article, we will look closely at what exclusive breastfeeding is, ...
How long should I breastfeed my baby exclusively?
Breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of the baby being born. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is ideal. The baby should only be given breast milk and nothing else, not even water.
What is the healthiest baby?
Scientific studies have revealed that the healthiest babies are those that have been exclusively breastfed. For the first six months of a baby’s life, breast milk is all that a baby really needs. Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the best ways to minimise the chances of a baby getting diarrhoea, allergies, pneumonia and suffering from malnutrition, ...
How long is breast milk good for?
Expressed breast milk remains good for up to ten hours at room temperature and approximately three days in the fridge.
How long should a nighttime breastfeeding session last?
The duration of breastfeeding again depends on the baby’s needs. Each session could last from 20 to 45 minutes. The baby should be satisfied feeding from one breast before another is offered.
Why is breast feeding important?
Among its other known health benefits are some protection against common childhood infections and better survival during a baby's first year , including a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 1. Research also shows that very early skin-to-skin contact and suckling may have physical ...
What is the policy statement for breastfeeding?
Info for health care providers:#N#Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk#N#Clinical Report: Safe Sleep and Skin-to-Skin Care in the Neonatal Period for Healthy Term Newborns 1 Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk 2 Clinical Report: Safe Sleep and Skin-to-Skin Care in the Neonatal Period for Healthy Term Newborns
Does breastfeeding help with diabetes?
Other studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk for certain allergic diseases, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It also may help improve an infant's cognitive development. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why is exclusive breast feeding important?
The importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding. For infants to survive, grow and develop properly they require the right proportion of nutrients. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and anti-bodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein. These nutrients are major pre-requisites to the health and survival of the baby.
How many babies can be saved by breastfeeding?
The World Health Organization estimates that around 220,000 children could be saved every year with exclusive breastfeeding. It recommends that colostrum, the yellowish sticky breast milk that is produced at the end of pregnancy as the ideal food for newborns; to be given within the first hour of birth, a process referred to as early initiation.
What happens when a baby is breast fed?
When a child is exclusively breast fed, their immune system is strengthened, enabling it to life-threatening illnesses like pneu monia and diarrhoea amongst other infections.
How many times more likely is a baby to die from pneumonia if not breast fed?
In fact, reports indicate that babies who are not breast fed for the first six months of life are 15 times more likely to die from Pneumonia compared to newborns that are breast fed exclusively for six months after birth.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Five great benefits of breastfeeding. 1 Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.#N#Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. 2 Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.#N#These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. 3 Check out these links to learn more:#N#CDC’s Breastfeeding pages#N#Office on Women’s Health—Breastfeeding#N#external icon#N#CDC’s Infant and Toddler Nutrition pages#N#Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.#N#Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted. 4 Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.#N#Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.
Why is breast feeding important?
Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.
Why is breast milk important for babies?
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet her baby’s nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
How long should a baby be breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until a child is 12 months old or older. This provides ideal nutrition and supports growth and development.
Can a mother breastfeed?
Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When travelling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted.
Does breast feeding help with ovarian cancer?
Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.
Does breastmilk help with immunity?
Breastfeeding passes antibodies from the mother to her baby. These antibodies help protect baby from illnesses and develop a strong immune system. Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
Why is breast milk important?
Breast milk contains important antibodies. Breast 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.
Why is breastfeeding important for weight gain?
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity. One study. Trusted 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.
Why does oxytocin increase during pregnancy?
Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help you bond with your new little one. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding.
How long can a baby breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continuing even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age 1 year or until both mom and baby agree to call it quits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old or longer. Trusted Source.
How does IgA protect a baby?
It’s immunity, baby! IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system. Trusted Source.
What is the fluid produced by the breasts 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.
Can you breastfeed with postpartum depression?
However, those who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are also more likely to have trouble breastfeeding and do so for a shorter duration. If you have any symptoms of PPD, tell your doctor as soon as possible. 9. Breastfeeding reduces your disease risk.
What does it feel like to breastfeed a baby?
Many brand new mothers report a incredible bonding feeling with their newborn the first time they breastfeed their baby. It is natural. It is what our bodies are designed to do, and what baby looks for. It is a moment mothers will always remember when they look down at their sweet new baby and realize this baby wants them, and that they are able to provide her with everything she needs.
Why are babies afraid of breast feeding?
Babies who are exclusively breastfed have a much lower rate of being hospitalized due to a respiratory infection . They are far less likely to obtain an infection simply because they are drinking breast milk.
What is the secretion of IgA in breast milk?
One of those things is called Immunoglobulin A (known as IgA). It is only found in breast milk and is believed to be the reason why many exclusively breastfed babies do not develop asthma or allergies.
Does breastfeeding help with cancer?
Exclusively breastfeeding a baby can actually lower the risk that they will end up with a childhood cancer. Cancer is beyond horrific and no one wants to see their child suffer through a devastating disease. By breastfeeding, mothers can help to protect their baby for the long term, and reduce the chance of them being diagnosed with cancer as a child.
Does breastfeeding raise I.Q.?
Many studies have shown that babies who are exclusively breastfed actually end up with higher I.Q.s than babies who are not breastfed. There seems to be a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development. In fact, the longer a baby is breastfed, the higher they score in tests as they get older.
Can you breastfeed after a baby is born?
Healing time after your baby is born can vary depending on type of delivery, labor complications, and whether you tore or had an episiotomy. However, by exclusively breastfeeding your newborn, you can speed up your recovery time! The benefits start immediately too. Your body works to recover as quickly as possible from the moment you begin to breastfeed your baby in the hospital.
Is breastfeeding good for a baby?
Breastfeeding has amazing benefits. From making your baby far less likely to develop certain problems to benefits for the nursing mother, there truly are some wonderful reasons to consider exclusively
Advantages of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Numerous researches conducted all over the globe suggest that exclusive breastfeeding of babies based on only breast milk with no complementary food for 6 months after birth has several physical advantages. Here’s a list of the top 5 of them
Disadvantages of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding has a few roadblocks. One of them is the necessity to feed in every 2-3 hours. If the mother is not physically fit for it or not available within every 3 hours for breastfeeding, the situation becomes really troublesome for the mother when she requires taking little breaks from her work frequently.
1. Shed those extra pounds
Yes, you heard it perfectly right. Breastfeeding will help you to lose the extra weight you put on during the pregnancy period. There are ample myths associated with breastfeeding and weight loss. According to some, it’s hard to get back to shape after breastfeeding. Ditch the myths and pay attention to the facts.
2. Psychological effect
The suckling of the baby promotes the release of oxytocin hormone from the pituitary gland of the mother. This hormone is essential for the milk ejection reflex which is, to put in simple words, the process of signalling the breast to secrete milk for the baby. Apart from that, it also aids in the uterus contract.
3. Helps to stay Amenorrheic
Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period noticed among women of reproductive age. Its symptoms are quite common during the pregnancy as well as the lactation period. As long as a nourishing mother is capable of exclusive breastfeeding, the return of her menstruation period is also delayed.
4. Health benefits
A number of studies implied the potential health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers. The physiological advantages of breastfeeding on the mothers are overlooked more than often. The production of milk is a natural metabolic process. On average, it needs 250 to 500 calories per day it.
5. Cure for type 1 diabetes
Nourishing mothers with type 1 diabetes tend to require less insulin ingestion. This can be attributed to the reduced level of blood sugar. They also tend to have a healthy cholesterol level with a high amount of HDL. The improved blood circulation, lower blood sugar, and presence of HDL give protection for lactating mothers against heart disease.