Breast milk is a very special food with numerous benefits for
the baby. It contains many features for the nutrition, health and protection of
the baby from infections. In fact, the milk of the mother of the preterm baby
also contains more protective properties, as if adjusted to that baby. Apart
from these benefits, there are also benefits for the mother.
The
benefits of breast milk for the baby:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Protects against infections
- Increases the effect of vaccines
- Strengthens the bond between mother and baby
- Contributes to the mental and intelligence development of
the baby
- Prevents diarrhea
- Prevents constipation
- Useful for baby's jaw and teeth health
- Improves speech
- Prevents allergic diseases
- Respiratory tract, ear, urinary tract, meningitis, etc.
protects against infections
- The mother's first milk (colostrum) is like the first
vaccine given to the baby
- It protects from some childhood cancers, leukemia and
lymphoma.
- Protects against diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammatory
bowel diseases
- The taste of breast milk changes from time to time,
allowing the baby to recognize the flavors
- It is easy to digest than cow's milk, it does not force the
baby's digestive system
- Babies fed with breast milk become more docile and
stress-free
In one study, breastfeeding babies experienced significantly
less death between 1 month and 1 year of age. In another study, it was found
that the level of intelligence and skill was higher in breastfeeding children.
In a study on preterm babies, it was revealed that breastfed babies should be
hospitalized less than non-breastfeeding babies. In another study,
breastfeeding has been shown to reduce "sudden infant death
syndrome". Studies have shown that breast milk improves the visual skill
of the baby. Compared to formula milk, it was observed that type 1 diabetes was
less common in infants fed with breast milk. There is also some research
suggesting that those who feed on breast milk will get less coronary artery
disease (heart attack, etc.) at adult ages. It was found that otitis media is
rare in infants fed with breast milk. In babies fed with breast milk after
preterm birth, sepsis has been rarely seen.
In studies conducted, it has been shown that the protective
effect of breast milk from obesity is stronger in babies who are breastfed
regularly and for a long time.
