What is Breastfeeding? Explained Its Importance & Benefits

Breastfeeding is the very first thing that a mother will do to feed their baby right after birth. It is necessary to provide breast milk to babies for their better growth and good health. Deciding to breastfeed is a personal choice of mothers.

Breastfeeding – Explained

Many experts have recommended mother’s milk is beneficial for the better development of the baby. Water, Juice and any other formula should not be given to the baby until he/she is 6 months old. Getting a baby used to other food doesn’t mean stopping breastfeeding.

Various studies have shown that the child should be given breast milk after birth till he/she is 1 year old. It is completely up to your baby whether he/ she prefers large feeding or frequent and smaller meals. Baby feeling hungry every 3 to 4 hours is common, whereas newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours. If we talk about 6 months old baby, then he drinks milk every 4 to 5 hours.

Why is Breastfeeding Important?

Today, so much baby formula has been produced for every age of the baby. It is an instant and steady way to feed a baby, but have you thought about its drawbacks? Maybe not! Because they offer you comfort as compared to breastfeeding.

Do you know how important mother’s milk is for the health of the baby? As a mother’s breast milk contains nutrients that are essential for a newborn. Breast milk is a vital source of protein, fat and vitamins which help the baby to grow.

Compared to infant formula, breast milk has properties that are easily digested in the baby’s stomach. Mother’s milk also has antibodies that make a baby’s body strong and fight against bacteria and viruses.

Breast Milk also eliminates the risk of having allergies, infections and asthma issues. The first six months are crucial for a baby where his body is strengthened to fight lifelong respiratory illnesses, infections and diarrhoea.

Even many medical experts say that breast milk makes IQ levels stronger. According to AAP, breastfeeding plays a vital role in the elimination of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which is a harmful disease.

Even the mother’s milk increases the weight of the newborn in the right amount and on the other hand, infant formula leads a baby to be overweight. Feeding baby from breast also reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and assured cancers.

Formula Feeding

There is no rivalry of breast milk but it is impossible to deal with baby hunger when you are busy within a hectic schedule. At that point, packaged infant formula is an alternative to breast milk. Some prepared formulas contain essential nutrients, vitamins that need to be get for a baby.

Various manufacturers prepare commercial formulas using a compound combination of sugars, fat, vitamins and protein which can satisfy the child’s hunger to some extent. Parents must note, don’t try to prepare such formula at home.

Benefits of Formula Feeding

• It offers flexibility
• It is very convenient to prepare baby formula even in public places.
• It takes much time to digest, hence feeding the baby after a long gap.
• Women need not worry about the food they eat, as it may not affect the baby.

Drawbacks of Formula Feeding

There are some drawbacks of giving formula to your baby. Here we are going to discuss some possibilities that a baby may face after consumption of instant formula:

• In infant formula, there is a lack of antibodies, as in result baby can’t fight against illness and infections.
• Mostly manufactured formulas can’t match the density and taste of breast milk.
• You have to store extra formal packaging in your home, whereas breast milk is unlimited and available whenever a baby feels hungry. Additionally, it can be served at the right temperature.
• Along with planning and organization of formula feeding, you should also have clean bottles and nipples.
• The regular consumption of formula may cause constipation and gas in your infant’s tummy.
• Spending money to buy formula for your baby is a monthly expense. Few formulas are quite expensive because of their ingredient and nutritional profile.

How to know if the baby is hungry?

Babies are often crying when they feel hungry. They also show some other signs that a parent needs to understand. Let’s talk about them:

• When the child comes out of his tongue and licks their lips.
• When a baby stabs out its tongue.
• When a baby moves their head, jaw or mouth to stare for your breast.
• When a baby puts their fingers in their mouth.
• When a baby sucks his favourite toy or any other thing.
• When a baby opens his mouth, etc.

Things to keep in mind when starting breastfeeding for the first time

There are a few important things a new breastfeeding mom should be aware of in her first breastfeeding.

• To avoid premature birth, women require even prenatal care.
• To offer to breastfeed after the first baby, you should consult to doctor and ask what facility and process will follow.
• Watch breastfeeding videos online or attend class on how to breastfeed.
• Consult your doctor to teach you breastfeeding basics or discuss problems that you have.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications, health conditions and allergies that could affect breastfeeding.
• Wear nursing bras or on the recommendation of a doctor that supplies milk properly.
• Talk to family members or friends who have already become parents.
• Tell health care instructors or doctors to conduct breastfeeding to the baby right after delivery.

Right Position for breastfeeding

Make sure you’re baby feel relaxed and comfortable when feeding baby. Also, don’t try to maintain the same position during feeding. Or you can choose positions like Laid-back, Cross Cradle, Side-lying and football.

When does breastfeeding harm the baby?

In the following medical situation, women can’t feed a baby by their breast. Let’s take a look:

• Women with HIV positive spread HIV through breast milk.
• Women with untreated TB, cancer can’t feed the baby through the breast.
• Women consuming illegal drugs like Marijuana and Cocaine avoid breastfeeding.
• Women consuming medications for headaches or arthritis avoid breastfeeding.
• If a baby has galactosemia issues avoid breastfeeding, as it contains natural sugar and galactose.