Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits to babies, protecting them from various diseases. Interestingly, mothers also experience several advantages from breastfeeding. Dive into the article to explore these benefits in detail.
“It’s widely recognized that breast milk provides all the essential nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. Optimal breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months is recommended as it’s gentle on the baby’s digestive system and overall health.
However, what many may not realize is that breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for mothers too. To shed light on this topic, OnlyMyHealth spoke with Dr. Jagriti Varshney, a gynecologist and obstetrician based in New Delhi.”
What benefits does breastfeeding bring to a baby
Dr. Varshney emphasized the significant health benefits that breastfeeding provides for both babies and mothers, highlighting it as the gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition. She described breast milk as a superfood uniquely tailored to meet the needs of growing babies, providing essential nutrients, calories, fluids, and antibodies crucial for their health and immunity. Dr. Varshney mentioned that research indicates breastfeeding offers protection against various health conditions such as asthma, eczema, diabetes, obesity, leukemia, tooth decay, ear infections, and diarrhea, and may even contribute to higher IQ.
Discussing the components and nutrients present in breast milk, Dr. Varshney explained that it contains an optimal combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. She highlighted the presence of leucocytes, living cells in breast milk that aid in fighting infection, as well as antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that enhance the baby’s immunity. Dr. Varshney concluded that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns, emphasizing that the proteins in breast milk are more easily digested compared to formula or cow’s milk.
How is breastfeeding beneficial for mom
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to mothers, as highlighted by Dr. Varshney. Firstly, it triggers the release of oxytocin, which aids in the contraction of the uterus, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Secondly, breastfeeding decreases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and it also contributes to a lower likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the process of milk production requires burning calories, which can aid in weight reduction, utilizing the mother’s fat stores for milk production. Overall, breastfeeding supports maternal health in various ways, making it beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
Breastfeeding helps prevent disease
Dr. Varshney underscores the role of breastfeeding in mitigating the risk of postpartum depression by facilitating a gradual decrease in pregnancy hormones, as opposed to an abrupt decline. This gradual hormonal transition helps mothers avoid the emotional upheaval often associated with postpartum depression. Furthermore, breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between the mother and the baby, enhancing emotional connection and promoting maternal well-being. This nurturing bond established through breastfeeding contributes to the overall mental and emotional health of both the mother and the child, fostering a positive and supportive environment during the postpartum period.
Dr. Varshney highlights the protective role of breastfeeding against two notorious types of cancer. She explains that during pregnancy and the postpartum period, hormonal fluctuations naturally occur in a woman’s body, leading to a temporary pause in her monthly menstrual cycles. Breastfeeding prolongs these hormonal changes, thereby reducing a woman’s exposure to estrogen and other hormones associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer. By maintaining lower levels of these hormones over an extended period, breastfeeding acts as a shield, safeguarding mothers from the heightened risk of developing these malignancies.
Bottomline
Dr. Jagriti Varshney emphasizes the importance of dietary considerations for new mothers to ensure the health of their babies. She underscores that specific dietary modifications are necessary during breastfeeding, as the nutritional status of the mother directly impacts the quantity and quality of breast milk produced. Dr. Varshney advises that breastfeeding mothers should maintain an adequate and balanced diet to support optimal lactation and provide essential nutrients to their infants through breast milk.