Why breast milk is important for your baby

The Importance of Breast Milk for Babies

The WHO recommends "exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years or more."

Unless there is an issue with milk production, breastfeeding is generally recommended for raising a baby.

In this article, I will introduce six reasons why breastfeeding is recommended.


1. Boosting Immunity
Breast milk contains the mother's immunity, acting as the baby’s first vaccine.

Immunity comes from three sources: what the baby receives from the placenta during pregnancy, what the baby gets through breastfeeding, and what the baby acquires independently after birth. Notably, colostrum, which is secreted within the first week postpartum, contains a high amount of immune components.

Breast milk is effective not only for preventing infections but also for preventing ear infections, diarrhea, and asthma.


2. Food Education
Breast milk is made from the foods the mother eats, meaning the taste and texture can vary depending on the person. Even when stored at places like Solid Love, the viscosity and color of breast milk can differ from person to person.

The foods the mother regularly consumes are familiar to the baby in terms of taste, making it easier for the baby to accept solid foods when starting weaning.

It’s a fascinating feeling to know that babies share the same taste experience even before they are born.


3. Prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is when a baby unexpectedly dies during sleep. Although the exact cause is not yet known, some risk factors like passive smoking and sleeping on the stomach have been identified.

One of these risk factors is artificial feeding (formula). Studies show that babies fed formula have a higher risk of SIDS than those who are breastfed.


4. Improved Brain Development
The longer a baby is breastfed, the more positive the effect on brain development.

Studies have shown that babies breastfed for longer periods score higher on IQ tests compared to those fed formula. Additionally, there have been reports of a decrease in problematic behaviors related to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in preschoolers.


5. Physical Bonding
Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for skin-to-skin contact, allowing the baby to experience the mother’s scent and body temperature.

After birth, the baby forms a bond with the mother through interactions like breastfeeding. Once the child sees the mother as a safe base, they gradually expand their range of activities, like crawling and walking.

Establishing a trusting relationship with the mother in infancy has a significant impact on the child’s emotional development.

Also, when the baby suckles, two hormones are released: prolactin, which helps produce milk, and oxytocin, which promotes milk release. Oxytocin also helps with uterine contractions, promoting faster postpartum recovery.


6. Prevention of Obesity
The longer a baby is breastfed, the lower the risk of obesity in childhood.

Additionally, breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, which also helps the mother prevent obesity.


Conclusion
These are six reasons why breastfeeding is encouraged.

Seeing articles on social media about starting solid foods at a certain age or returning to work soon after birth may cause some anxiety.

However, there’s no strict rule that breastfeeding must end at a certain point. Even after two years, if the child’s nutritional status is fine, continuing breastfeeding as a way to bond with your child is completely natural.

Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and the memories and experiences are endless.

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