World Breastfeeding Week: Dr Sushma Tomar explains why it is good for mother & baby.

Breastfeeding is a special phase in a mother’s life and is remembered with a sense of pride. It gives the best sense of satisfaction to a mother. Moreover, breastfeeding is the most effective way in which a mother and baby connect and bond together. But beyond this, breast milk is the best for every baby. It has many benefits for both the mother and the child.

BREASTFEEDING IS BENEFICIAL TO MOTHERS FOR THEIR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH:

Promotes faster weight loss after birth, burning about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain a milk supply. Breastfeeding helps in uterus contraction, so it comes to normal size and controls post-delivery bleeding

• Increases self-confidence
• Reduces Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Reduces the chances of Anemia
• Lessens the risk of postpartum Depression and build a positive mood
• Produces the naturally soothing hormones Oxytocin and Prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother
• Supports the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family
• Improves emotional and physical bonding between the mother and the child
• Minimises the chances of Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Endometriosis, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiac Disease and skin diseases
• Acts as a natural contraceptive for a limited time (speak to your gynaecologist about this)

A BREASTFED BABY HAS 

• A strong immune system
• Cries less overall and have fewer incidences of childhood illness
• No digestive issues as breast milk has a low osmotic load; the fats are digested better. It is rich in protein and lactoalbumin. 
• Less diarrhoea, constipation, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis
• Fewer colds and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus and whooping cough
• Fewer ear infections, especially those that damage hearing
• Fewer cases of bacterial meningitis
• Better vision
• Lower rates of infant mortality & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome 

Above all, breast milk provides abundant and easily absorbed nutritional components, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties, and live antibodies from the mother. A mother’s more mature immune system makes antibodies against the germs she and her baby have been exposed to. These antibodies enter her milk to help protect her baby from illness. Immunoglobulin A coats the lining of the baby’s immature intestines helping germs and allergens from leaking through. Breast milk also contains substances that naturally soothe infants. So, if you are thinking breastfeeding may cause harm to you and your baby, think again.

(Dr Sushma Tomar is Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan)