New Delhi: When it comes to feeding newborns, nothing compares to breastmilk. It is nature’s perfect food, designed specifically for babies. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that a baby needs for healthy growth and development while also offering amazing health benefits for both the baby and the mother. Sonal Babbar-Bhardwaj is a certified infant & pediatric feeding specialist (Lactation Consultant, Child Nutritionist), and co-founder of Viraa Care, explained why breast milk is a must for a newborn, and what makes it so important for health.
What Makes Breastmilk Special?
Breastmilk is much more than just food. It is full of everything a baby needs:
Perfect Nutrition: Breastmilk has the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to help your baby grow strong. For example:
- Proteins in breast milk are easy to digest, making it gentle on your baby’s tiny tummy.
- Fats, like DHA, support brain and eye development.
- Carbohydrates, like lactose, provide energy and help absorb calcium for strong bones.
Adapts to Your Baby’s Needs: Breastmilk changes as your baby grows. The first milk, called colostrum, is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect your newborn in the first few days. As the baby grows, the milk changes to meet their changing needs.
Builds Immunity: One of the most amazing things about breastmilk is that it helps protect your baby from getting sick. It contains:
- Antibodies that fight germs and infections.
- Good bacteria that support gut health and build a strong immune system.
- Babies who are breastfed are less likely to get ear infections, stomach problems, or even conditions like asthma and diabetes later in life. Breastmilk also helps protect babies from long-term health problems. Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight or develop heart disease as they grow older. It truly lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
Supports Growth and Development: Breastmilk plays a big role in helping your baby grow:
- It helps your baby gain a healthy weight.
- It boosts brain development, which is why breastfed babies often perform better in school later on.
- It strengthens the emotional bonding between you and your baby, thanks to the physical closeness during breastfeeding.
- Moreover, breastfeeding has been linked to better sleep patterns for babies, as breastmilk contains hormones like melatonin that help regulate sleep. This can also make it easier for parents to establish a healthy routine for their baby.
Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding isn’t just good for babies—it’s great for mothers too!
- It helps your body heal after delivery by releasing hormones that shrink the uterus.
- It reduces the risk of diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and diabetes.
- Plus, it’s free, convenient, and eco-friendly!
- Breastfeeding can also help mothers bond emotionally with their babies, reducing the risk of postpartum depression. The process of nursing releases oxytocin also called the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Breastmilk vs. Formula
Formula can be a helpful alternative when breastfeeding isn’t possible, but it doesn’t match the power of breast milk. Formula lacks the live antibodies and changing nutrients that breastmilk provides naturally. Breastfed babies are often healthier and have stronger immune systems. The formula also requires careful preparation and can sometimes upset a baby’s digestive system. In contrast, breastmilk is always ready at the right temperature, making it the most convenient option for new mothers.
Final Thoughts
Breastmilk truly is a gift for your baby. It provides all the nutrients they need to grow and protects them from illnesses. As a mother, breastfeeding also brings you closer to your baby and offers health benefits for you too.
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